Indian Railway Launches India’s First Private Train

Last updated on June 17th, 2022 at 03:50 pm

India’s 1st private train was launched by Railways under the Bharat Gaurav scheme. Around 1100 people traveled on Tuesday’s first trip from Coimbatore, Tamilnadu.

Privately operated “Bharat Gaurav Trains” started their first journey from Coimbatore (Tamil Nadu) to Shirdi (Maharashtra) in the Southern Railway zone of Indian Railways.

The Bharat Gaurav Train from Coimbatore North to Sainagar Shirdi will depart at 18:00 on Tuesday, June 14, 2022, and arrive in Sainagar Shirdi at 07:25 on Thursday, June 16, 2022, according to a statement from the ministry of railways. 

The train will also stop at Tiruppur, Erode, Salem, Yelahanka, Dharmavaram, Mantralayam Road, and Wadi.

According to the government, around 1100 people traveled on Tuesday’s first round-trip service between Coimbatore and Shirdi.

Service By – South Star Rail

The registered service provider – South Star Rail is offering a private service for a five-day itinerary that includes a full round-trip from Coimbatore to Shirdi then return.

The company with its registered office in Coimbatore, South Star Rail, runs the train. It is a subsidiary of the multinational group, Future Gaming & Hotel Services Pvt. Limited.

The company has given Southern Railway a security deposit of Rs 1 crore for the rake that consists of 20 coaches.

Estimated Annual Revenue

Moreover, Southern Railways would generate a total annual revenue of Rs. 3.34 crore annually from right to use fees of Rs. 27.79 lakhs (exl. GST) and fixed haulage fees of Rs. 3.07 crore annually. 

Furthermore, there is a variable haulage fee of Rs. 38.22 lakhs (excl. GST) for the specified one-day journey from Coimbatore to Shirdi, and back. 

According to the plan, similar variable fees will also be charged for each journey. Five sleeper class coaches are included with the scheme’s trains, along with a 1st AC coach, three 2-tier AC coaches, and eight 3-tier AC coaches.

Exclusive Facilities

The interiors of the coaches have been renovated by the certified service provider, and all of them will be staffed by a team of service specialists and a cleaning crew who work round-the-clock to give customers a pleasant journey. 

For frequent communication, playing of spiritual songs and mantras, public speaker systems have been installed in all coaches. 

A package pricing that includes traveling from Coimbatore to Shirdi and return, VIP darshan, bus arrangements, air-conditioned lodging, tour guide assistance, etc. is also offered by the registered service provider in addition to the choice of exclusive transportation services.

In addition, a doctor, private security, and members of the Railway Police Force will be on board to handle any emergencies.

In an effort to connect historical sites, Indian Railways began operating the Bharat Gaurav train in November 2021.