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The Indian Railways Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) has announced the launch of the Bharat Gaurav Special Tourist Train for the Maha Kumbh Yatra. The train will depart from Kolkata Station on February 20, 2025, for a 5-night, 6-day journey to major pilgrimage cities including Prayagraj, Varanasi, and Ayodhya. The journey aims to provide pilgrims with an all-inclusive travel experience, covering transportation, accommodation, meals, and guided temple visits.
The special train offers various travel options, including economy, sleeper, and 3AC classes. Passengers in the economy or sleeper class will pay ₹19,100 per person, while 3AC class passengers will incur ₹25,100 per person. The 3AC compartments will have 178 seats, and the sleeper class will have 500 seats. The package not only includes the train journey but also offers accommodation in air-conditioned or non-AC hotels and meals. Additionally, bus transportation will be provided for visits to pilgrimage sites.
The train journey includes visits to prominent spiritual destinations such as the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Tulsi Temple, Hanuman Temple, Sankat Mochan Temple, and Ram Temple. Pilgrims will be transported by buses to these locations, with guided tours ensuring they have the opportunity to explore each site. Travelers can book their seats through the IRCTC website, which offers full details of the train schedule, services, and booking process.
This initiative is part of IRCTC’s broader strategy to manage the massive crowds expected for the Maha Kumbh. In total, Indian Railways will operate over 13,000 special trains for the Maha Kumbh, with 3,134 of them dedicated specifically to the event. Additionally, IRCTC has set up a "Tent City" in Prayagraj, providing accommodation for more than 20 lakh pilgrims. The entire operation aims to ensure seamless transportation, comfortable lodging, and convenient access to key pilgrimage sites for the millions of devotees expected during the Maha Kumbh.