Ahead of the Maha Kumbh Mela, the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) West Zone has introduced a special Bharat Gaurav train from Pune to Prayagraj. Operating under the package ‘Mahakumbh Gram IRCTC Tent City at Prayagraj,’ the service will run between January 15 and February 23, providing a seamless travel experience for pilgrims, according to Indian Express.
Route and Boarding Points
The 14-coach train, designed to accommodate approximately 750 passengers, will travel via Varanasi, Prayagraj, and Ayodhya. Key boarding stations include Pune, Lonavala, Karjat, Panvel, Kalyan, Nashik, Manmad, Chalisgaon, Jalgaon, and Bhusaval, ensuring accessibility for travelers from multiple locations.
Package Details and Amenities
Subhash Nair, General Manager of IRCTC West Zone, emphasized that the train is part of a comprehensive package addressing the challenges of accommodation and ticket availability in Prayagraj. The train offers an exclusive travel experience, with a pantry car capable of preparing meals for 1,000 passengers. It’s a first-of-its-kind service tailored to the needs of pilgrims, he said.
The package includes accommodations at Prayagraj, where passengers will stay in IRCTC’s tent city, complete with top-notch facilities. The train also prioritizes security, with two CCTV cameras in each coach, a security guard, and an escort service for passenger assistance.
Pricing and Spiritual Offerings
Gururaj Sonna, from IRCTC’s Pune division, announced the ticket prices:
- Economy Class (Sleeper): Rs 22,940
- Standard Class (3AC): Rs 32,440
- Comfort Class (2AC): Rs 40,130
To enhance the spiritual atmosphere, the train will serve vegetarian meals and feature a designated temple area for bhajans and prayers.