Minister inspects first rake of pilgrim train

NT Correspondent
Bengaluru

Shashikala Jolle, Minister for Muzarai, Hajj and Wakf has inspected the first rake of Bharat Gaurav train and discussed the modifications and other requirements needed. Speaking on the occasion, she said that the concept of Bharat Gaurav train envisioned by the Prime Minister is a great initiative. She added that it has fulfilled her dream as well as that of the Chief Minister Bommai to make people visit Kashi and informed that the state government has earmarked Rs 15,000 crore for this scheme in the budget.

“The Bharat Gaurav train will run from Bengaluru to Varanasi with stoppages at Ayodhya and Prayagraj. It covers 4,161 km in seven days. The train is composed of 14 coaches. There will be 11 AC-3 Tier coaches. One coach will be converted as a temple to facilitate the pilgrims in the train to do bhajans during the course of the journey,” she said.

The total charges of the trip will be Rs 15,000 out of which Rs 5,000 subsidy will be given to individuals as per the guidelines of the state government. Images of temples of Karnataka will also be displayed on all 11 coaches of the train.

She also informed that the government has plans to provide this benefit to 30,000 people every year. She held discussions with Dr Anup Dayananad Sadhu, Chief Commercial Manager, Passenger Amenities and Catering, South Western Railway and R V N Sarma, Chief Rolling Stock Engineer at Sir M Visvesvaraya Terminal on Sunday.

Dr Anup Dayand Sadhu said this is the first Bharat Gaurav train from Karnataka. “The rake will be overhauled and made ready at Mysuru Workshop in 40-45 days. The train will be handed over to the Muzarai department with the right to use. This will fetch the railways a revenue of Rs 20 crores,” he said. He also informed that the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation will do all back-end arrangements like food, catering and other basic requirements.