Current Affairs 2022: Bharat Gaurav Scheme and Its Objectives

By Ankita

On November 23rd, 2021, the Indian Railways has launched a policy called the “Bharat Gaurav Scheme”. According to this scheme, the private tour operating agencies can take trains on rent from the Indian Railways and can run those trains on any route of their choice.

At the press conference, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnav announced that the ‘Bharat Gaurav Trains’ launch will be considered as the third segment for tourism after passenger and goods trains. Ashwini Vaishnav said that these trains will showcase Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision about India’s rich cultural heritage and grand historical places to the Indians and the whole world. Further, he added that the core strength of tourism sector professionals must be utilized to develop or identify tourist circuits and run these theme-based trains to show India’s vast tourism potential.

Interested groups/ individuals can apply online to rent a train by registering with one-time fees of INR 1 Lakh. The arrangements can be done for 2 to 10 years. The operators require to submit an amount of INR 1 crore per rake. Each train will have 14-20 coaches with two guard vans. The Indian Railways will look for the ‘Right to Use’ fee and haulage charges.

The interior of coaches modifications are allowed within safety measures including berth composition but dismantling critical parts is not allowed.
Tour operators can tie-up with agencies for business development, entertainment, and food on the train.

The conventional AC classes- I, II, III have been assigned with non-AC Sleeper coaches, AC pantry cars and chair cars under this scheme. The operator is allowed to create a train with a mix depending on the type of clientele they are targeting. The coaches are earmarked in two age groups- from 15 to 20 years old and 20 to 25 years old.

The ‘Right of Use’ annual charges calculations is based on the type of coach taken and time duration. According to Bharat Gaurav Scheme, the charges for the first year’s ‘Right of Use’ have to be paid in advance, the second year’s payment has to be paid 15 days before the completion of the previous year, and delay in payment is equivalent to the bank’s prevailing interest rate plus 3% as an administrative fee. If the fees are not paid within 30 days, the ‘Right of Use’ may be dismissed.

Objective of Bharat Gaurav Scheme

The main reason behind this scheme is to ensure that operators are provided with the freedom to develop and run a business model in which trains will be physically run by the railways along with maintenance and a fee. 

• Railways have liberalized their operations to permit players from IRCTC (Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation); this policy allows any entity including state governments to operate trains but the main targets are the tour operators.
• People including State governments, societies, trusts, and consortia can apply for rent and run them on a special theme-based tourism route such as Guru Kripa that covers all places linked to Guru Nanak and Ramayan-themed train that covers all places linked to Lord Ram.
• Railways will create a special unit in every railway zone to instruct the applicants in end-to-end procedural requirements for the operators.
• Railways have assigned 3033 ICF coaches, approximately equal to 150 trains which mean private tour operators can get the freedom to choose the circuits, fares, and quality of services on the trains.
• The idea to create a special unit is to ensure that operators can go to a single unit for their needs instead of running from pillar to post.

Bharat Gaurav Scheme Parameters

Bharat Gaurav Scheme parameters include that operator will be offered sightseeing, food, local transport, hotels at stopover places, onboard entertainment, etc. Special units will be set up by railways across the zones to handhold and facilitate the operators. Also, railways have allowed branding and advertisement on the exterior and inside the trains.

The Scheme will be intended to demonstrate the rich Indian cultural heritage, culture, and diversity. This scheme will create a new direct and indirect way for employment generation opportunities. Bharat Gaurav scheme will promote and encourage the theme-based tourism circuits in India.

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About the Author

  Ankita Rawat is doing graduation in BA(JMC) from JIMS Vasant Kunj, New Delhi.