Indian Railway to run 'Azadi Ki Amrit Yatra' during 76th Independence Day; insights here

To celebrate the 76th year of India's independence, the Indian Railways has unveiled plans to operate a Bharat Gaurav tourist train, offering a unique journey through destinations associated with the country's freedom struggle.

The "Azadi Ki Amrit Yatra" will span over eight nights and nine days, covering significant historical sites in Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Uttar Pradesh, commencing on August 22 from Hazrat Nizamuddin Railway Station and will include stops at Ahmedabad, Kevadia, Surat, Pune, Shirdi, Nasik, and Jhansi.

The first destination on the itinerary is Ahmedabad, a city that played a pivotal role in the freedom movement and served as the residence of Mahatma Gandhi. Tourists will have the opportunity to visit landmarks such as Sabarmati Ashram, Dandi Kutir, and the Akshardham temple. Following a night halt, the train will depart for Ekta Nagar Railway Station, providing access to Kevadia, home to the Sardar Sarovar Dam reservoir and the renowned Statue of Unity. The journey will then proceed to Surat, Gujarat's second-largest city, where sightseeing activities will include visits to the Sardar Patel Museum in Bardoli and the National Salt Satyagrah Memorial at Dandi Beach.

The next destination, Pune, holds great historical significance as the home of freedom fighter Lokmanya Tilak. Tourists will have the opportunity to explore landmarks such as the Aga Khan Palace, Yerwada Jail, and Kesari Wada, which served as Tilak's revolutionary newspaper office. The tour will continue to the ancient shrine of Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga, one of the twelve jyotirlingas dedicated to Lord Shiva.

On day seven, the train will reach Shirdi, a town associated with the revered saint Sai Baba. Visitors will have the chance to pay their respects at the Sai Baba Temple before proceeding to Shani Shingnapur to offer prayers to Lord Shani. The following day, tourists will visit Trimbakeshwar Jyotirlinga before heading to the final destination, Jhansi. Jhansi, known for its historical significance during the revolt of 1857, houses the iconic Jhansi Fort, a symbol of resistance against British rule. The entire tour covers a distance of approximately 3,600 km, providing travelers with an immersive experience of India's rich history and cultural heritage.

The Bharat Gaurav Tourist Train, equipped with modern amenities, offers three types of accommodation: AC I, AC II, and AC III. The train features two fine dining restaurants, a contemporary kitchen, shower cubicles, sensor-based washroom functions, foot massagers, and a mini library. Enhanced security measures, including CCTV cameras, electronic safes, and dedicated security guards for each coach, ensure passenger safety throughout the journey.

The launch of the Bharat Gaurav Tourist Train aligns with the Indian government's initiatives "Ek Bharat Shrestha Bharat" and "Dekho Apna Desh" to promote domestic tourism. Tickets for the Azadi Ki Amrit Yatra are priced at ₹31,731 per person in AC 3 Tier, ₹57,015 per person in AC 2 Tier, ₹60,881 per person for AC 1 (Cabin), and ₹68,145 per person for AC 1 (Coupe).