New Delhi :
On Wednesday, the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) inaugurated the Guru Kirpa Yatra tourist train, which embarked on its first journey from the Charbagh railway station in Lucknow.
The event was attended by dignitaries, including Uttar Pradesh minister Jaiveer Singh and Baldev Singh Aulakh.
As part of the Bharat Gaurav series of tourist trains, the Guru Kirpa Yatra train will take travelers on a pilgrimage to significant Sikh religious sites across the country.
Ajit Kumar Sinha, the Chief Regional Manager of IRCTC, has announced that the 10-night and
11-day journey of the Guru Kirpa Yatra train will come to an end in Lucknow on April 15, 2023, for the convenience of Sikh pilgrims.
The Guru Kirpa Yatra train journey comprises of a visit to eight places, including Anandpur Sahib, Kiratpur Sahib, Sirhind, Amritsar, Bhatinda, Nanded, Bidar, and Patna.
The train will make stops at four stations, namely Lucknow, Sitapur, Pilibhit, and Bareilly, where pilgrims can board or disembark.
According to rail officials, travelers on the train will visit significant Sikh religious sites such as Gurudwara Sri Fatehgarh Sahib in Sirhind, Sri Akal Takht, and Golden Temple in Amritsar,
Sri Damdama Sahib in Bhatinda, Takht Sachkhand Sri Hazur Sahib in Nanded, and Gurudwara Sri Guru Nanak Jhira Sahib in Bidar, as well as Gurudwara Sri Harmandirji Sahib in Patna.
The IRCTC Bharat Gaurav train aims to showcase various Indian sites, sculptures, dance forms, and cultural icons that are a source of national pride.
These trains have a capacity of 600 to 700 seats, and each coach is equipped with an infotainment system, unarmed guards, and CCTV cameras for passengers’ safety.
A pantry car is also included on the trains, which is well-equipped for cooking fresh meals onboard based on regional cuisines and served at passengers’ seats.