First private ‘Bharat Gaurav’ train starts from Coimbatore- North to Sainagar, Shirdi
On 14 June, 2022, India's first private train under ‘Bharat Gaurav’ scheme has started from Coimbatore-North (Tamil Nadu) to Sainagar Shirdi (Maharashtra). It was flagged off by Gautam Srinivas,
Mandal Manager, Southern Rail Salem. This train is being operated by private service provider. In the first journey of this train, 1100 passengers traveled from Coimbatore to Shirdi.
South Star Rail is a registered service provider company operating trains on this route. The theme-based Bharat Gaurav train aims to showcase the rich cultural heritage and eminent historical places of the country.
Bharat Gaurav Scheme
Under this scheme launched in November 2021, now a third section will be set up for tourism in trains. Till now the railways had a passenger section and a goods section.
These are not regular trains which will run according to a timetable but will be operated on the lines of Ramayana Express run by IRCTC. This was announced under the theme based tourist circuit trains. These trains will be run by both private partners and IRCTC in a theme based circuit.
By Theme Based Tourism (Circuit) Railways means those trains like Guru Kripa which are operated to all the places related to Guru Nanak or Ramayana themed trains are operated to the places related to Lord Ram. One can apply to societies, trusts, consortiums and even state governments for acquisition of these trains and they can be operated on theme based special tourist circuits.