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Ahead of the Maha Kumbh Mela, IRCTC West Zone, the travel and tourism arm of the Railway Ministry, has announced the launch of a special ‘Bharat Gaurav’ train from Pune. This service will operate between January 15 and February 23 under the package ‘Mahakumbh Gram IRCTC Tent City at Prayagraj’.
The 14-coach customised train, with a capacity of approximately 750 passengers, will operate from Pune via Varanasi, Prayagraj, and Ayodhya. Boarding points will include Pune, Lonavala, Karjat, Panvel, Kalyan, Nashik, Manmad, Chalisgaon, Jalgaon, and Bhusaval.
Subhash Nair, General Manager, IRCTC West Zone, said the train is part of an IRCTC package covering both train travel and accommodation at Prayagraj. “At the moment, Prayagraj is facing challenges regarding accommodation and ticket availability. To address this, IRCTC is offering a comprehensive package with top-notch facilities. This exclusive train is customised to meet passenger needs. Unlike regular trains, where cooking is not permitted, it will feature a pantry car capable of preparing meals for around 1,000 passengers,” he said.
Speaking on security arrangements, Nair added, “Each coach is equipped with two CCTVs, along with one security guard and an escort to assist passengers, from stepping off the train to reaching their accommodation.”
Gururaj Sonna from IRCTC’s Pune division shared details about the ticket pricing: Rs 22,940 for Economy Class (Sleeper), Rs 32,440 for Standard Class (3AC), and Rs 40,130 for Comfort Class (2AC). “Keeping in mind passenger sentiments, we will only serve vegetarian meals. Additionally, the train will have a designated temple area where passengers can sing bhajans and pray to Hindu deities, ensuring a spiritual environment,” he said.
For more information on the Mahakumbh Gram and IRCTC packages, visit http://www.irctctourism.com or contact customer support at 1800110139.
