R ARIVANANTHAM
CHENNAI, MAY 1
The country’s first Bharat Gaurav Train – Saisadan Express connecting the Manchester of South India – Coimbatore and the holy city Shirdi in Maharashtra from May 17, said J Umeash, CEO of M & C Company here on Saturday.
With a view to showcase the nation’s rich cultural heritage, the Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw had announced introduction of theme based tourist circuit trains ‘Bharat Gaurav Trains’ on November 23 last year.
With the introduction of the first Bharat Gaurav Train – Saisadan Express from Coimbatore to Shirdi via Mantralayam to be operated under the Public-Private-Partnership (PPP) mode, the union government has fulfilled its promise within a short period of 4 months.
- The Bharat Gaurav trains services will soon be introduced from Chennai, Madurai, Kannyakumari and Tiruchirapalli
Addressing the press conference, E Harikrishnan, Senior Divisional Commercial Manager, Salem Division said, “A maximum of 7 private operators had come forward to operate Bharat Gaurav Trains in Southern Railway. Of which, four operators were selected to operate such trains. However, the M & C Company was the first one to undertake the project.”
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Though the IRCTC conducted guided tours on different circuit routes, for the first time in the country, the railways partnering with the private operators to extend upgraded or modern facilities to the aspiring tourists. However, fixation of tariff, customization of facilities inside the trains rakes were the responsibility of the private operator.
The package for Coimbatore to Shirdi includes all meals, transfers from station to Mantralayam/ Hotel/temple in Shirdi (includes Darshan ticket)
The coaches will be AC Two Tier with superior upholstery and state of the art facilities. Each coach will have separate name and emergency calling facility.
The Saisadan Express will make its maiden departure in the mid-morning of every Tuesday and would reach Mantralayam next day morning. The train will reach Shirdi on Thursday morning. SAIBABA Darshan on Thursday
After the Dharshan, the return train will start its journey on Thursday late evening and would reach Coimbatore Friday late evening, officials of M & C Company said.
Actress Janani Ayyar, who acted in the advertisement promo lighted the traditional lamp to mark the inauguration of the press conference.
The tourists would be offered tasty and healthy pure vegetarian meal options with South Indian, North Indian and Jain delicacies hygienically packed and served in Bio-Degradable tableware.
Package includes take away welcome travel kit comprising bedsheets, blankets, air pillow with cover, wet wipes and hand sanitizer.
Doctor on- board (Medical assistance available in train)
AC accommodation on twin sharing basis at Shirdi (Inclusive of meals)
Personalized service from guest relation executives and cabin attendants are available on 24/7 basis.
Experienced guides to escort devotees to Mantralayam and Shirdi
Clean and hygiene toilets; Sanitised and clean coaches; spiritual magazines with emergency number for contact
For booking/information, do visit www.saisadanxpress.com Special assistance for elders to board the train
Separate on- board menu apart from regular menu at additional cost
The private operator – M & C Company sad that spiritual trains could be operated for other spiritual destinations too like Varanasi, Rameswaram, Tirupati and Gaya.
The Bharat Gaurav trains services will soon be introduced from Chennai, Madurai, Kannyakumari and Tiruchirapalli, they added.
