Rlys allows tour operators to run Bharat Gaurav trains
Dipak.Dash@timesgroup.com
New Delhi:24.11.2021
The Indian Railways has opened its doors to travel and tour operators, state tourism entities and any interested party to run theme-based “Bharat Gaurav” trains. They can run these trains on any route of their choice and will be free to determine the fares as well. This means like the railways’ IRCTC, private players like Makemytrip, Cleartrip etc can run such trains.
Announcing that the railways has started accepting applications from interested parties, Union minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on Tuesday said the railways has earmarked 3,033 coaches — both AC and non-AC — an equivalent of 150 trains, which such players can take on lease, refurbish and can run them for tourists. Sources said some of the rail coaches which were converted as “Covid coaches” and are still idle can also be utilised for this purpose. Over 3,000 such coaches are deployed across different zones. He said these trains will be different from the railways’ plan to allow private players to operate trains on regular routes.
The operators can procure trains, if they wish, do branding and advertisement inside and on the exterior. The minimum lease period would be two years and maximum up to 10 years.
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