Pilgrim Special Tourist Train | IRCTC Pilgrim Special Trains
Pilgrim Special Trains
698268/2025/O/O Director (T&C)
Government of India
Ministry of Railways
Railway Board
No. 2019/Tourism/140/09
New Delhi, dated 08.07.2025
General Manager(s),
All Indian Railways
The Chairman and Managing Director,
Indian Railway Catering & Tourism Corporation Ltd,
IRCTC Corporate Office, B-148, 11th Floor,
Statesman House, Barakhamba Road,
New Delhi – 110001
Sub: Pilgrim Special Trains – further extension for a period of one year from the date of operation of the first Pilgrim Special Train in the season of the current year i.e. of 2025-24.
Ref: Letter of even no. dt 11.02.2025 (Commercial Circular No.06 of 2025)
This is in reference to Commercial Circular No. 06 of 2020 vide which detailed instructions regarding operation of Pilgrim Special Trains were issued.
Also Read: IRCTC Pilgrim special trains fares
2. The Competent Authority has now decided to extend the applicability of the said instructions for a period of one year from the date of operation of the first Pilgrim Special Train in the season of the current year i.e. of 2025-21 and to be reviewed thereafter.
3. This issues with the concurrence of Finance Directorate of the Ministry of Railways (Railway Board).
(Philip Varghese)
Director (Tourism and Catering)
Railway Board
New Delhi, dated 06.07.2025
Source: http://www.indianrailways.gov.in/
Here’s a clear guide to IRCTC Pilgrim Special Tourist Trains, which are run by Indian Railways specifically for religious and spiritual tourism:
🚆 What is a Pilgrim Special Tourist Train?
These are all-inclusive tour packages operated by IRCTC under Bharat Gaurav or Special Tourist Train schemes. They connect multiple pilgrimage destinations in a single trip, with confirmed train tickets, accommodation, meals, local transport, and sightseeing included.
📜 Key Features
- Confirmed train travel – Sleeper Class, 3AC, or AC Comfort options.
- Accommodation – Hotels/Dharamshalas depending on destination.
- Meals – Vegetarian breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
- Local Transfers & Sightseeing – AC or non-AC buses based on package.
- Onboard Tour Escorts – IRCTC representatives and guides.
- Travel Insurance – Included in many packages.
- LTC Eligibility – Some packages can be claimed for Leave Travel Concession.
🛕 Popular Pilgrim Special Train Packages (2025 Examples)
| Package Name | Duration | Main Destinations | Fare (Per Person) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dakshin Darshan Yatra with 2 Jyotirlinga | 10 Nights / 11 Days | Tirupati, Rameswaram, Madurai, Kanyakumari, Srisailam | From ₹20,800 (SL) / ₹46,500 (2AC) |
| Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Yatra | 7 Nights / 8 Days | Ayodhya, Prayagraj, Varanasi, Chitrakoot | From ₹17,000 |
| Puri Gangasagar Yatra | 9 Nights / 10 Days | Puri, Konark, Bhubaneswar, Gangasagar | From ₹19,800 |
| Vaishno Devi Special | 4 Nights / 5 Days | Katra (Vaishno Devi) | From ₹8,500 |
| Kashi, Ayodhya, Prayagraj Tour | 5 Nights / 6 Days | Kashi Vishwanath, Saryu Ghat, Triveni Sangam | From ₹12,500 |
(Fares vary depending on travel class and boarding station.)
🚉 Types of Pilgrim Trains by IRCTC
- Bharat Gaurav Trains – Theme-based trains covering heritage and spiritual circuits.
- Special Tourist Trains – Seasonal or event-based tours (e.g., Kumbh Mela specials).
- Luxury Tourist Trains – Like Mahaparinirvan Express for Buddhist Circuit.
📌 Booking Process
- Visit IRCTC Tourism Pilgrim Trains Page
- Select tour → View itinerary & inclusions → Book online.
- Payment can be made via net banking, credit/debit card, or UPI.
If you want, I can make you a full 2025 schedule PDF with all upcoming IRCTC Pilgrim Special Trains, their departure dates, boarding points, and fares so you can compare at a glance. That would give you a one-stop reference for booking.