Indian Railways has plans to rope in private operators to introduce theme-based tourist circuit trains called Bharat Gaurav to showcase the country’s rich cultural heritage and historical places.

The aim is to tap the vast tourism potential of India with private tour operators by either buying or leasing rakes from the railways and running them.

On Saturday, South Eastern Railway (SER) held a meeting at Garden Reach, its headquarters in Calcutta, to brief private tour operators on the various aspects of Bharat Gaurav trains. Mohd. Owais, principal chief commercial manager, SER, conducted the meet and expressed hope that the new scheme would be a success.

R. Murugaraj, chief commercial manager (Passenger Services and Catering), Niraj Kumar, chief public relations officer (CPRO) and S. Koley, deputy chief commercial manager (Passenger Services), were also present at the meeting where the aspects of Bharat Gaurav trains were explained to tour operators.

The CPRO said that tour operators would have the flexibility to decide on the themes, packages and cost and would have the liberty to offer all inclusive packages to tourists, including rail travel, hotel accommodation, sightseeing and others.

The tour operators can apply for registration online. They can purchase the rake directly from the Indian Railway production units or take lease from the railways.

"The required rakes will be provided by the railway under Right to Use. The service providers can decorate the interior and exterior of the trains and can earn from third party advertisements. Private operators will be granted use of coaches for a period of minimum two years and maximum up to the residual life of the coaches, " said the CPRO.

According to him, Bharat Gaurav trains will have a minimum of 14 coaches and a maximum of 20 coaches with two SLR (seating-cum-luggage coach).

The service provider can use the SLR portion of the train for carrying luggage.

Two coach maintenance staff and one supervisor will be deputed on each train to attend to maintenance related issues during the journey. Each Bharat Gaurav train will bear a unique number and will be given priority at par with other mail/express trains.

"The movement of the trains will be monitored by the division of the concerned zonal railway. A customer support unit will also be established under the commercial department of the concerned zonal railway headquarters, " added the CPRO.