Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis Flags Off Bharat Gaurav Tourist Train From Mumbai

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis inaugurated the Bharat Gaurav Express from Mumbai, aligning with the 351st anniversary of Shiv Rajyabhishek. This six-day heritage tour will explore significant historical sites associated with Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.

The Bharat Gaurav Express, departing from Mumbai's Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus, marks a special tourist circuit celebrating the Maratha warrior king's life and legacy. The train's journey coincided with the 351st anniversary of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's coronation, known as Shiv Rajyabhishek Day.

Heritage Tour Through Maratha Legacy

The Bharat Gaurav Express offers passengers a chance to visit key historical and cultural sites in Maharashtra linked to Shivaji Maharaj. The itinerary includes forts, temples, and museums such as Raigad Fort, Shivneri Fort, Pratapgad, Panhala, Lal Mahal, Kasba Ganpati Temple, and the Shivsrushti theme park. Religious sites like Bhimashankar Jyotirling temple and Mahalakshmi Temple in Kolhapur are also included.

Central Railway officials confirmed that all seats were sold out for the maiden run across Economy (Sleeper), Comfort (3AC), and Superior (2AC) categories. The comprehensive tour package includes train travel, hotel accommodations, meals (vegetarian only), local transfers, sightseeing, travel insurance, and escort services.

Full Bookings and Young Crowd

Fadnavis noted the initiative's immense public interest. "The train is 100% booked on its first journey. A total of 710 passengers are travelling today, and 80% of them are below the age of 40. This shows that the youth want to connect with our history," he said.

The journey is part of Indian Railways' Bharat Gaurav initiative aimed at promoting domestic tourism through theme-based trains that highlight India's cultural and historical heritage.

Day-Wise Itinerary Breakdown

"My greetings to everyone on Shiv Rajyabhishek Day. 351 years ago, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj established Hindavi Swaraj. The Bharat Gaurav Yatra Train for the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj circuit, which started today, will take passengers to all the prominent places related to Shivaji Maharaj over the next five days. I thank Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw and Prime Minister Narendra Modi for making this possible," CM Fadnavis expressed during the launch event.

The Bharat Gaurav Express not only celebrates Maharashtra's rich history but also engages younger generations eager to connect with their cultural roots through this unique travel experience.