Question : Private Train Service from Coimbatore to Shirdi

(a) whether India''s first private train recently started its maiden service from Coimbatore to Shirdi under the Bharat Gaurav Scheme ;

(b) if so, the details thereof ;

(c) whether the rates of the above train are on par with regular train ticket rates charged by the Indian Railways;

(d) if so, the details thereof ;

(e) the number of trains proposed under the Bharat Gaurav Scheme so far along with those approved and the details of rejected proposals ;

(f) whether the Government is planning to introduce other private trains in the country ; and

(g) if so, the details thereof along with the steps being taken by the Government in this regard ?

MINISTER OF RAILWAYS, COMMUNICATIONS AND
ELECTRONICS & INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

(SHRI ASHWINI VAISHNAW)

(a) and (b) : No, Sir. However, the Ministry of Railways have issued the ‘Bharat Gaurav Trains’ policy with the objective to “showcase India’s rich cultural heritage and magnificent historical places to the people of India and the world through Bharat Gaurav Trains (theme based tourist circuit trains). Under the said policy, maiden Bharat Gaurav train was operated on Coimbatore-Mantralayam-Shirdi-Coimbatore route by a registered service provider.

(c) and (d) : No, Sir. Bharat Gaurav Trains are theme- based tourist circuit trains. As such, these trains are distinct from regular trains. Under the scheme, the Service Provider offers a comprehensive package with facility of rail transportation, accommodation, meals, local road transport, sightseeing etc. The Service Provider also manages back-end services such as marketing, booking of tickets, catering, accommodations, etc. under their internal arrangements following Good Industry Practice.

(e) : Under Bharat Gaurav policy, so far 03 rakes have been allotted to service providers against registered demands. No request for allotment of rakes has been rejected.

(f) : No, Sir. At present, there is no such proposal under consideration to operate regular passenger trains, over Indian Railways, by private operators.

(g) : Does not arise.
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