‘Bharat Gaurav’ tourist train flagged off at V’wada rly station

The Sapta Jyotirlinga Yatra Bharat Gaurav tourist train received an enthusiastic send-off from rail tourists in and around Vijayawada. A total of 124 passengers embarked on this spiritual journey to the Seven Jyotirlingas on the first Bharat Gaurav Train originating from Andhra Pradesh on 14 September 2024. The passengers were given a traditional welcome, and the station was filled with spiritual fervour. This marks the second Bharat Gaurav Train from Andhra Pradesh and the 23rd from the South Zone.
Vavilapalli Rambabu, Senior Divisional Commercial Manager of the Vijayawada Division, South Central Railway, flagged off the “Sapta Jyotirlinga Yatra Bharat Gaurav Tourist Train” from Platform No. 10 at Vijayawada Railway Station.
The train will cover renowned Jyotirlinga destinations in the northern and western parts of India. It will provide boarding and de-boarding facilities at seven key stations in Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Maharashtra, including Secunderabad, Kazipet, Warangal, Khammam, Madhira, Dornakal Junction, Mahbubabad, Kamareddy, Bhongir, Nizamabad, Dharmabad, Mudkhed, Nanded, and Purna. The train will visit major pilgrimage sites such as Ujjain (Mahakaleshwar and Omkareshwar), Dwarka (Dwarkadish Temple and Nageshwar Jyotirlinga), Somnath, Nasik (Triambakeshwar), Pune (Bhima Shankar), and Aurangabad (Grishneswar Temple).
Addressing the media, Vavilapalli Rambabu described the Bharat Gaurav Express journey through these revered cities as a golden opportunity for pilgrims to visit all the sacred sites in one trip. He expressed great joy at flagging off the second Bharat Gaurav Train from Vijayawada and indicated that, in response to demand, more Sapta Jyotirlinga Darshan Yatra Specials will be planned to accommodate passengers. Rambabu noted that earlier trains from the zone have enjoyed overwhelming patronage, with nearly 100% occupancy. He presented gift hampers to the passengers and wished them a memorable and safe journey.
Rambabu also reviewed catering arrangements, accommodation, and safety measures put in place by officials. He congratulated IRCTC staff for their excellent arrangements for the boarding devotees.  The event was attended by Kishore Satya, IRCTC Manager; M Raja, Supervisor, IRCTC; Ravi Prakash, SM; MSP Srinivas, CCI, Vijayawada; and the ticket-checking staff.