Shashikala Jolle, the minister for religious endowment, Haj, and wakf, announced on Monday that a “Bharat Gaurav” pilgrimage train will travel from Bengaluru to Varanasi in the final week of August. According to the minister, pilgrims would be able to take a seven-day trip that covers 4,161 kilometers and passes through cities like Varanasi, Ayodhya, and Prayagraj for a reduced price.
The Karnataka government said that the tour will cost a person for about Rs.15,000 but he/she will be given subsidy of Rs.5000 on this amount if they’ll travel by “Bharat Gaurav”.
“Most people believe that everyone should go to the Kashi Yatra (Varanasi pilgrimage) at least once in their lifetime. My aim to start such a programme has now been realized. This plan was developed and full cooperation was offered by chief minister Basavaraj Bommai.
Jolle added that by creating the pilgrimage package, her department made Karnataka the first state to offer such a service. Jolle claimed that the “Bharat Gaurav” train was hired by providing a bank guarantee of Rs. 1 crore and said that discussions were ongoing with the Railways to alter trains and make preparations for the pilgrimage visit.
11 of the 14 coaches in the “Bharat Gaurav” train will be used for passenger service.
Each will symbolize significant temples in the state, with one being transformed into a temple where travellers can pray. The Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation will arrange for food, water, lodging, and nearby local transportation.
Additionally, the BJP-led Karnataka government launched the “Kashi Yatra” scheme, which provides about 30,000 pilgrims with financial aid.