110 Yatris embark on a Spiritual Journey to Varanasi on “Ganga Pushkarala Yatra”- Bharat Gaurav Express at Vijayawada Station

The Ganga Pushkarala Yatra Bharat Gaurav Tourist Train witnessed enthusiastic response from rail tourists in and around Vijayawada. 110 Rail Yatris have boarded the “Ganga Pushkarala Yatra: Puri – Kasi – Ayodhya” Bharat Gaurav Train from Vijayawada Railway Station today i.e. 29^th April, 2023. The Rail Yatris were greeted with Traditional welcome and the whole station premises reverberated with spiritual fervor. This third trip of the present Bharat Gaurav Train coincides with the Sacred Pushkarala in the holy river Ganga being held from 22nd April to 3rd May, 2023.

Shri G. Kishan Reddy, Hon’ble Union Minister for Culture, Tourism and Development of North Eastern Region, Govt. of India flagged off “Ganga Pushkarala Yatra: Puri-Kashi-Ayodhya” Bharat Gaurav Tourist Train today at Secunderabad Railway Station.

The train provides a unique opportunity to pilgrim passengers of both Telugu states by providing boarding / de-boarding facility at: Secunderabad, Kazipet, Khammam, Vijayawada, Eluru, Rajahmundry, Samalkot, Visakhapatnam and Vizianagaram. There has been huge response for this third trip with 100% occupancy. With the support received by the pilgrim passengers of both the Telugu states, another 2 trips have been announced, which will be commencing on 13th May 2023 and 27th May 2023 with the same itinerary.  

The Pushkar Special Bharat Gaurav service reached Vijayawada Station at 17.45 hrs. (Before time) and was welcomed with rousing reception from the crowd. A special kiosk was set up on PF No.7 for boarding Passengers at Vijayawada.

Shri Md Ali Khan, IRTS, Divisional Commercial Manager, Vijayawada Division and other Senior Officials greeted the entraining Passengers and wished them a memorable journey. Shri Md Ali Khan said that Bharat Gaurav Express traversing across the revered cities of Puri, Kashi & Ayodhya, is a golden chance for pilgrims and devotees to visit the holiest destinations of India. He stated that gauging the demand of devotees, in view of ongoing Ganga Pushkaram and summer holidays, IRCTC has planned this Bharat Gaurav Special Express. He also said that this train is enjoying a great patronage and almost fully booked for upcoming 4^th & 5^th trips scheduled next month. Shri Md Ali Khan interacted with the passengers onboard and took feedback on the experience and their valuable suggestions for further improvement. Refreshments were also provided to passengers at Vijayawada Station.

The Following are the Destinations and temples covered by the Bharat Gaurav tourist Special in the 8 Nights/ 9 Days trip

Destinations and visits covered
Puri	Lord Jagannath Temple
Konark	Sun Temple & Beach
Gaya	Vishnu Pada Temple
Varanasi	Kashi Viswanath Temple & Corridor, Kashi Vishalakshi and Annapurna Devi temple. Evening Ganga Aarti
Ayodhya	Ram Janma Bhoomi, Hanumangarhi and Aarati at Sarayu River
Prayagraj	Triveni Sangam, Hanuman Mandir and Shankar Viman Mandapam

Shri P.B.N. Prasad, Station Director, Shri Yagneswara Prasad, AO, IRCTC, Other Officials took part in the event today on duty Inspectors, Operating, Security and Mechanical Staff attended and supervised the arrangements made at Vijayawada station. 

PR No. 23  dated 29^th April, 2023