Question : Ramayana Yatra Train

(a) whether the Government/ IRCTC has started the operation of a new train ‘Ramayana Yatra Train’ from Delhi recently with an objective to promote religious tourism;

(b) if so, the details thereof along with the route and the cities likely to be covered by the said train;

(c) the details of the facilities that are likely to be provided by the Government/ IRCTC in such trains;

(d) whether the Government has issued any guidelines for travel in such trains and if so, the details thereof; and

(e) the extent to which Railways is likely to be benefitted in terms of revenue through such special trains?

MINISTER OF RAILWAYS, COMMUNCATIONS AND
ELECTRONICS & INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

(SHRI ASHWINI VAISHNAW)

(a) and (b). The Ramayana Yatra Train operated by Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation Ltd. (IRCTC) from Delhi recently is a thematic AC Deluxe tourist circuit train. The destinations covered by the said train included Delhi Safdarjung-Ayodhya- Sitamarhi-Varanasi-Manikpur Jn.- Nasik

Road-Hosapete- Rameshwaram-Delhi Safdarjung. Every tour may have a different theme, duration and route based on market demand.

(c). Tourist Circuit trains offer a comprehensive package which include Rail Transportation, Road Transfer, All Meals, Sightseeing, Accommodation, Tour Manager/escort, Travel insurance, etc.

(d). IRCTC designs the tours and undertakes booking, marketing and operationalization of these tours. IRCTC has issued Standard Operating Procedures on preventive measures for tourist trains/tours to contain spread of CoVID-19 and dealing with emergencies

(e). The purpose for operating these trains is to promote rail based tourism in the country. Indian Railways charges rail fare to IRCTC for operation of such tourist circuit trains as per extant policy.

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