Operation of Theme – Based ‘Bharat Gaurav Trains’’ over Indian Railways
- Indian Railways aims to leverage the core strengths of the professionals of the tourism sector to run theme based trains to tap the vast tourist potential of India.
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA.
MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS
RAILWAY BOARD
No. 2025 / Tourism / 140 / 03
New Delhi, dated: 23-11-2025
The General Managers
All Zonal Railways
(Commercial Circular No. 14 of 2025)
Sub:- Operation of Theme – Based ‘Bharat Gaurav Trains’’ over Indian Railways
Objective – Showcase India’s rich cultural heritage and magnificent historical places to the people of India and the world, through Bharat Gaurav Trains (Theme- based Tourist Circuit trains).
Brief Scope of Policy:
- Indian Railways aims to leverage the core strengths of the professionals of the tourism sector to run theme based trains to tap the vast tourist potential of India.
- Under this scheme, registered Service Providers shall be offered rakes under “Right to Use” model by Indian Railways (IR) for operations of Bharat Gaurav Trains. Service Providers shall also have the option of procurement of new coaches directly from production units through the NRC (Non Railway Customer) plan.
- The Service Provider shall have the flexibility to decide the business model including themes, routes, itinerary, tariff and other attributes connected with this model.
Modalities for operation of Theme based ‘Bharat Gaurav Trains’
I. Identification of Coaches
1.1 Indian Railways shall initially earmark the pool of ICF coaches to be utilized under this scheme in various categories viz AC-I, AC-II, AC-III, SL, AC . Chair car (CG), Pantry and SLR (Guard Van). The list of such coaches as on date along with their location is enclosed as Annexure -1 for the purpose of inspection by service provider only. Physical allocation of the coaches may be the same or similar type of coaches. Later other categories of coaches will also be offered. In case’ any service provider wishes to take other types of coaches, then such coaches will be made available on receiving demand. The pricing for other coaches will be different from the pricing for the coaches offered now.
Read More in PDF download : Bharat Gaurav Special Trains PDF
Here’s the most up-to-date and verified overview of IRCTC’s Bharat Gaurav Tourist Train services (2025)—theme-based pilgrimage & cultural circuits across India:
Contents
- 1 🛤️ Bharat Gaurav Tourist Train Packages in 2025
- 1.1 1. Mahakumbh Pune → Prayagraj Train (WZBG33)
- 1.2 2. Dakshin Darshan Yatra with 2 Jyotirlinga (WZBG37)
- 1.3 3. Devbhoomi Badri Kedar Kartik Swami Yatra (Deluxe AC)
- 1.4 4. Char Dham Yatra Deluxe AC Train
- 1.5 5. North East Discovery Tour (Deluxe AC)
- 1.6 6. Jain Yatra (AC Tourist Train)
- 1.7 7. 07 Jyotirlinga Yatra (Shravan Special, WZBG22)
- 2 📋 Feature Summary Table
- 3 ✅ Highlights & What Sets These Trains Apart
- 4 🧭 How to Book & Plan
- 5 📝 If You’d Like Assistance With…
🛤️ Bharat Gaurav Tourist Train Packages in 2025
1. Mahakumbh Pune → Prayagraj Train (WZBG33)
- Operated for Mahakumbh Mela 2025, from Jan 15 – Feb 23 by IRCTC West Zone.
- Route: Pune → Varanasi → Prayagraj → Ayodhya; Boarding from Pune, Lonavala, Karjat, Panvel, Kalyan, Nashik, Bhusaval, etc.
- Accommodation: 14 coaches, ~750 pax; meals, stay, guides included.
- Fare: ₹22,940 (SL), ₹32,440 (3AC), ₹40,130 (2AC)
2. Dakshin Darshan Yatra with 2 Jyotirlinga (WZBG37)
- Starts August 21, 2025 from Rewa (via Nagpur, Satna).
- Route: Tirupati → Rameswaram → Madurai → Kanyakumari → Srisailam (Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga).
- Duration: 10 nights / 11 days.
- Fare: ₹20,800 (SL), ₹29,500 (3AC), ₹38,500 (2AC).
3. Devbhoomi Badri Kedar Kartik Swami Yatra (Deluxe AC)
- Departed June 7, 2025 from Nagpur.
- Covers Haridwar → Rishikesh → Badrinath → Kedarnath (via helicopter), also stopping at Mathura, Agra, Jhansi, etc.
- Duration: ~8 nights.
- Fare: ₹49,990 (3AC), ₹59,990 (2AC), ₹69,990 (1AC).
4. Char Dham Yatra Deluxe AC Train
- Starts May 27, 2025 from Delhi Safdarjung.
- Covers Badrinath, Puri, Rameswaram, Jagannath Temple and Jyotirlinga sites.
- Full Deluxe AC service: shower cubicle coaches, infotainment, library, safety features.
5. North East Discovery Tour (Deluxe AC)
- Begins April 22, 2025, from Delhi Safdarjung.
- Covers Guwahati, Itanagar, Kaziranga, Shillong, Nagaland and more over ~5800 km; 15-day journey.
- All-inclusive Deluxe AC fares from ₹1,16,905 (3AC) to ₹1,67,845 (1AC Coupe).
6. Jain Yatra (AC Tourist Train)
- Launched from March 31, 2025, from Bandra Terminus.
- 8 nights / 9 days covering key Jain pilgrimage sites—Pavapuri, Parasnath, Sammed Shikharji, and others.
- Fully AC coach, guided visits included.
7. 07 Jyotirlinga Yatra (Shravan Special, WZBG22)
- Operated in August 2024, via Rajkot origin; may resume in Shravan month 2025.
- Covers all 7 Jyotirlingas and Shirdi. Fares: SL ₹20,900; 3AC ₹34,500; 2AC ₹48,900.
📋 Feature Summary Table
| Tour Name | Start Date | Duration | Key Routes/Stops | Fare Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mahakumbh Yatra (Pune→Prayagraj) | Jan 15 | ~6 weeks | Varanasi, Prayagraj, Ayodhya | ₹22K–₹40K |
| Dakshin Darshan with 2 Jyotirlinga | Aug 21 | 10 nights | Tirupati → Kanyakumari → Srisailam | ₹20.8K–₹38.5K |
| Devbhoomi Badri‑Kedar Yatra (AC) | June 7 | ~8 nights | Haridwar → Badrinath → Kedarnath (Heli ride) | ₹49.99K–₹69.99K |
| Char Dham Deluxe AC | May 27 | 17 days | Badrinath, Jagannath Puri, Rameswaram, Jyotirlingas | ₹1.16L–₹1.67L |
| North East Discovery Yatra | Apr 22 | 15 days | Guwahati, Shillong, Nagaland, Tripura | ₹1.16L–₹1.67L |
| Jain Yatra AC Train | Mar 31 | 8 nights | Pavapuri, Rajgir, Parasnath, Sammed Shikharji | Semi-luxury package |
| (Shravan) 07 Jyotirlinga Yatra | August (2025) | 9 nights | All 7 Jyotirlingas + Shirdi | ₹20.9K–₹48.9K |
✅ Highlights & What Sets These Trains Apart
- Tailor-made thematic tour circuits under IRCTC’s Bharat Gaurav brand.
- Mixed classes: Sleeper, 3AC, 2AC; some trains fully AC (Deluxe).
- Onboard amenities: Pantry car cooking fresh meals (unique on Bharat Gaurav), infotainment systems, CCTV, guiding
- All-inclusive packages: Meals, lodging, road transfers, insurance included.
- Large spiritual/heritage footprint: Kumbh, Jyotirlingas, Char Dham, North East, Jain sites, Devbhoomi circuit.
🧭 How to Book & Plan
- Available for booking via IRCTC Tourism portal or authorized agents.
- Boarding points span state-level entry hubs—Delhi, Indore, Nagpur, Vijayawada, Rajkot, Mumbai Bandra, etc.
- Be sure to carry photo ID + passport-size photo; separate darshan bookings (e.g. Tirupati) may be needed
- Fares vary as packages include rail + accommodation + sightseeing.
📝 If You’d Like Assistance With…
- Detailed itinerary planning (boarding options, route, accommodation).
- Cost comparison between complimentary packages.
- Booking help or availability for upcoming departures.
- Crafting a custom circuit by combining regular trains with Bharat Gaurav packages.
Let me know your preferred region, pilgrimage goals or travel class—and I’ll help design or guide you through booking these premium pilgrimage experiences!