Chennai: One of the Registered Service Providers (RSPs) has provided a security deposit of Rs 1 crore in the form of bank guaranteee for allotment of rake for running theme-based tourist circuit train under the scheme of Bharat Gaurav Trains.

The RSP is likely to operate the Circuit tour in the Coimbatore-Shirdi sector and is likely to commence operation in May this year.

Southern Railway has a total of seven private parties, who have registered under the Bharat Gaurav Trains theme.

This is the highest number of registrations across Indian Railways under this scheme, sources said.

Indian Railways had launched the operation of theme-based Bharat Gaurav Trains in November 2021. The objective of this theme is to showcase India’s rich cultural heritage and magnificent historical places to the people of India and the world, through Bharat Gaurav Trains.

This scheme also aims to leverage the core strengths of the professionals of the tourism sector to run theme-based trains to tap the vast tourist potential of India.

The Indian Railways has earmarked pool of ICF coaches in various categories AC-I, AC-II, AC-III, SL AC chair car, Pantry car, and SLR.

The Railways would get revenue stream in the form of Right to use charges (for the rake), Haulage Charges, Empty haulage charges,stabling charges etc. Registered Service Providers will have the flexibility to decide the business model including themes, Routes, Itinerary, Tariff etc.

The RSP shall be given the naming, third party advertisements and branding rights.
For the purpose of facilitating RSPs and for smooth implementation of the scheme various committees have been formed at the Railway Board level and Zonal Railway level.