A Tribute to Spiritual Tourism
Addressing the gathering, Shri Somanna described the publication as a rich visual and narrative tribute to a transformative cultural initiative. He noted that the book showcases how faith, heritage, and modern rail infrastructure have been seamlessly integrated to offer pilgrims a dignified and affordable travel experience.
The Minister highlighted that the Karnataka Bharat Gaurav Train reflects Indian Railways’ evolving role from being a transporter of passengers to becoming an enabler of cultural connectivity and spiritual exploration. The initiative, conceptualised and driven by Dr. Anup Dayanand, IRTS (Retd.), stands as a pioneering model in pilgrimage tourism.
Historic Milestone Under Bharat Gaurav Scheme
Under the Bharat Gaurav Scheme, more than 30,000 devotees from Karnataka have realised their lifelong dream of visiting sacred destinations such as Kashi and other prominent pilgrimage centres at affordable costs. The Minister termed this achievement historic and aligned with the broader goal of inclusive spiritual tourism.
A Moving Gallery of India
The book presents the Karnataka Bharat Gaurav Train as a “moving gallery of India.” It offers readers detailed insights into thoughtfully designed coaches, modern onboard amenities, curated spiritual circuits, and a comprehensive passenger experience.
Special attention has been given to comfort, accessibility, and affordability, especially for senior citizens and first-time pilgrims. Policy support and state subsidies have ensured that pilgrimage remains within reach for thousands of families across Karnataka.
Connecting Faith Across India
The Karnataka Bharat Gaurav Train operates under themed journeys including Kashi Darshan, Jyotirlinga Darshan, Shakti Peetha Yatra, Dakshina Yatra, Dwarka Yatra, and Puri Jagannath Yatra. These circuits connect pilgrims from Karnataka to major spiritual destinations across the country.
The all-inclusive travel packages cover rail transport, vegetarian meals, accommodation, local transfers, guided tours, and sightseeing. This comprehensive model ensures a seamless and dignified experience for passengers, reinforcing the train’s reputation as a flagship spiritual tourism initiative.
Impressive Operational Success
According to the latest available data, the Karnataka Bharat Gaurav Train has successfully completed 46 trips, facilitating travel for 28,786 pilgrims. The initiative has generated approximately ₹25.57 crore in revenue for Indian Railways, while advancing the broader objective of promoting cultural tourism and national integration.
The project aligns with national programmes such as “Dekho Apna Desh” and “Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat,” strengthening bonds among citizens through shared spiritual journeys.
A Cultural Milestone for Indian Railways
The launch of the coffee table book marks not just a publication event but a celebration of an innovative model that bridges devotion and development. By documenting the journey of the Karnataka Bharat Gaurav Train, the book preserves an important chapter in India’s spiritual and cultural tourism landscape.
As Indian Railways continues to expand thematic tourism under the Bharat Gaurav Policy, the Karnataka model stands out as a successful example of public service, policy innovation, and cultural outreach.
