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Context: Under the Bharat Gaurav initiative, the Indian Railways is going to start a tourist train to Kashmir Valley.

Details

About the Initiative

• Under the Bharat Gaurav initiative, the Indian Railways would run a tourist train to Kashmir Valley in collaboration with South Star Rail, a Coimbatore-based enterprise.
• The train departs from Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu.

Amenities

• The tourist train would have several amenities such as unlimited South Indian meals, CCTV cameras, lockers, train coordinators and managers, and an onboard doctor.

Cost

• The 12 days tour package would cost 41,950 to travel by third class, 54,780 to travel by second class, and 64,990 to travel by first class.
• The ticket price includes the basic fare, insurance, lodging, refreshments, and sightseeing fees.

Bharat Gaurav Scheme

About

• The Ministry of Railways introduced the 'Bharat Gaurav Trains' policy in 2021 to promote India's rich cultural history and amazing historical landmarks through theme-based tourism circuit trains.
• Trains now have a third segment for tourism as part of the concept. Before, the railways had passenger and cargo segments.
• The Bharat Gaurav Trains plan will get no funds because it is built on a revenue-generating mechanism.

Not a Regular Train

• These trains won't run on a regular schedule like ordinary trains; instead, they'll be more like the IRCTC's Ramayana Express.
• It was announced as part of the tourism circuit trains with a theme.

Who can operate?

• These trains are to be operated on theme-based circuits by both private players and the IRCTC.
• Anyone, including societies, trusts, coalitions, and state governments, can apply to take these trains and run them on theme tourism circuits.

Application Process

• The online registration process in a simple one-step process. The registration fee is Rs 1 (One) Lakh.
• Coaches will be allocated to all eligible applicants based on availability. Priority will be determined by the Rake Security Deposit Time and Date. Rake Security Deposit of Rs 1 (one) Crore for every rake.
• Duration of use: 2-10 years.

Key features

• The service provider would be allowed to choose a theme, such as Guru Kripa trains for visiting key Sikh cultural sites, Ramayana trains for visiting areas associated with Lord Shri Ram, and so on.
• Service Provider to provide offers with an all-inclusive tourist package, including train travel, hotel accommodations, sightseeing arrangements, visits to historical/heritage sites, tour guides, and so on.
• Operators have complete control over package pricing based on the degree of services provided.
• The operators are free to design/furnish the interiors of the coaches in accordance with the Theme.
• The train will consist of 14 to 20 coaches, including two SLRs (Guard Vans).

Other Similar Schemes

Swadesh Darshan Scheme

• Swadesh Darshan, a Central Sector Scheme, was introduced in 2014-15 for the coordinated development of the country's theme-based tourist circuits.

PRASHAD Scheme

• The Ministry of Tourism initiated the 'National Mission on Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Augmentation Drive' (PRASAD) in 2014-15 with the goal of comprehensive development of recognised pilgrimage places.

Dekho Apna Desh

• It is an initiative to encourage individuals to travel extensively within the country to experience the wonders of India, thereby enabling the development of domestic tourism tourist services and infrastructure at tourist destinations around the country.

Keywords

Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC)

• IRCTC is an Indian public-sector enterprise that offers ticketing, catering, and tourism services to the Indian Railways.
• IRCTC was founded in 1999. It was initially wholly owned by the Government of India and managed under the administrative jurisdiction of the Ministry of Railways, but it has been listed on the National Stock Exchange since 2019, with the Government still holding a majority stake.

Must Read Articles:

Tapping India’s Tourism Potential: https://www.iasgyan.in/rstv/tapping-indias-tourism-potential

Tourism Sector in India: https://www.iasgyan.in/daily-current-affairs/tourism-sector-of-india

PRACTICE QUESTION Q. Tourism is crucial for the country's economy and is rapidly expanding. The tourism sector has been a pillar of India's economic story over the previous decade, but it has yet to achieve its full potential. Discuss. Also, provide strategies for increasing tourism in India.

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