The Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) is all set to start the "Divine Maharashtra" tourist train operations from 8 January to cover the prominent religious and heritage tourist destinations in central India.
"IRCTC, a Railway Ministry PSU, will start the state of art AC Deluxe Tourist Train "Divine Maharashtra" tour from Delhi Safdarjung Railway Station on 8 January,” said IRCTC spokesperson Siddharth Singh in a statement.
The five-day journey will commence on 8 January from Delhi and end on 12 January.
"The Divine Maharashtra tour will cover the prominent religious and heritage tourist destinations in central India. This tour will showcase two important Jyotirlingas i.e. Trimbakeshwar Shiva Temple in Maharashtra's Nasik and Ghrishneshwar in Aurangabad, Shirdi Sai and Shani temples and UNESCO World heritage site Ellora caves in four nights and five days tour," Singh said.
He said this new deluxe tourist train has a host of features including two fine dining restaurants, a modern kitchen, shower cubicles in coaches, sensor-based washroom functions, and foot massagers.
The fully air-conditioned train provides two types of accommodation - First AC and Second AC.
The train has enhanced security features in the form of CCTV cameras. IRCTC has also deployed private security guards on the train, he said.
Singh said the Maharashtra Divine train has been designed in line with the government's initiative "Dekho Apna Desh" to promote domestic tourism.
The tour package cost starts at Rs 24,120 per person for domestic tourists. All necessary health precautions will be taken during the tour.
He said the package cost is inclusive of train fare, all onboard and off board meals, hotel stay/ arrangements at Shirdi (two nights), guided excursions with English-speaking tour escorts in air-conditioned buses, monument entry fee and travel insurance for the passengers.
He said government or PSU employees can avail LTC facility on this tour as per their eligibility based on the guidelines issued by the Ministry of Finance.
Keeping in mind the COVID pandemic, in this deluxe tourist train, bookings have been restricted to around 120 tourists per trip against the total capacity of 156 tourists.
"Beside this, IRCTC will also provide a safety kit to all tourists having face mask, hand gloves, sanitizer and also a face shield. Regular temperature check of all tourists and staff, frequent train sanitisation at halt stations etc and other precautions will be ensured," the IRCTC official said.
He said the staff will be screened thoroughly and the kitchen and restaurants will be sanitised after every meal.
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