BENGALURU: The first Bharat Gaurav train will depart from Bengaluru to Varanasi (Kashi) by the end of August, muzrai minister Shashikala Jolle said on Monday.
Speaking to reporters after inspecting a train that will be modified to operate as a Bharat Gaurav train, she said the seven-day tour programme, at discounted rates for pilgrims, will cover holy places such as Varanasi, Ayodhya, and Prayagraj.
“Most people want to undertake Kashi Yatra (Kashi pilgrimage) at least once in their lifetime. Karnataka will be the first state in the country to provide Bharat Gaurav train service at a low cost, with the muzrai department formulating the pilgrimage package,” she said.
She said preparations have been made for modification of trains. “The seven-day tour will cover 4,161km. The train will have 14 coaches with 11 three-tier AC coaches lined up for passenger travel, each coach representing important temples in the state. One bogie is being converted into a temple for people to offer prayers. Arrangements have been made for food, water, accommodation, and local transport near the pilgrim centres. The seven-day tour costs Rs 15,000, but the Karnataka government will give a subsidy of Rs 5,000, the minister said.
“The government has earmarked Rs 15 crore for this purpose and plans to provide this benefit to 30,000 people every year. The train was hired by giving a bank guarantee of Rs 1 crore,” she said.
