Railways to launch around 190 theme-based trains to showcase India’s culture and heritage

Indian Railways is all set to launch around 190 theme-based trains called Bharat Gaurav Trains, in a move to boost the tourism sector. This was recently announced by the Minister of Railways Ashwini Vaishnaw.

While addressing a press conference, the Railways Minister stated that these trains could be run both by the IRCTC, as well as the private sector.

He added that these will not be regular trains that will run on timetables. He further added that so far, they have identified around 190 trains or 3033 coaches for these theme-based trains. After passenger and goods segments, they will be starting the tourism segment to run Bharat Gaurav Trains, further elaborating that these will be showcasing India's culture and heritage. They have already started inviting applications for the same, he added.

The Railways, in its statement, added that by theme-based tourism, the railways plans trains like Guru Kripa that will cover all those places that are related to Guru Nanak or a Ramayan-themed train that will touch upon places that are related to Lord Rama.

The Railway Minister stated that the fare of these trains would be practically decided by tour operators; however, the railways will make sure that there is no abnormality in the prices. The Minister also added that state governments including Rajasthan, Odisha, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka have shown interest in these trains.