Railway to run special train to mark 76th anniversary of independence
Spanning over eight nights and nine days, the tour's first stop will be in Ahmedabad, where Mahatma Gandhi lived and was a major epicentre of the freedom movement. Tourists will visit Ahmedabad, Kevadia, Surat, Pune, Shirdi, Nasik, and Jhansi
The railways will operate a Bharat Gaurav tourist train covering destinations associated with India’s freedom struggle to mark the 76th year of independence. The “Azadi Ki Amrit Yatra” will begin from Hazrat Nizamuddin Railway Station on August 22 and cover Ahmedabad, Kevadia, Surat, Pune, Shirdi, Nasik, and Jhansi, the railways said in a statement.
The journey begins with a visit to Ahmedabad, where Mahatma Gandhi resided. Travelers will have the opportunity to explore the Sabarmati Ashram, Dandi Kutir, and the Akshardham temple, immersing themselves in the historical significance of these places.
Following a night’s rest, the train will set off for Ekta Nagar Railway Station, connecting passengers to Kevadia, a town known for the Sardar Sarovar Dam reservoir and the iconic Statue of Unity. After the overnight journey, the train will arrive at Surat. The itinerary includes visits to the Sardar Patel Museum in Bardoli and Dandi Beach.
The next stop is Pune, the home of freedom fighter Lokmanya Tilak. Travelers will have the privilege of visiting significant landmarks such as the Aga Khan Palace, where Mahatma Gandhi and Kasturba Gandhi were held captive during the Quit India Movement, the historic Yerwada Jail, which once housed prominent revolutionaries like Jawaharlal Nehru and Sardar Patel, and Kesari Wada.
After an overnight stay in Pune, the following day will take the tourists to the Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga, an ancient shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva and one of the twelve jyotirlingas scattered across India.
On the seventh day, the train will transport passengers to Shirdi, a town renowned for Sai Baba’s teachings of love and charity. Upon completion of their visit, tourists will have the opportunity to seek blessings at the Shani Shingnapur temple before spending the night in Shirdi.
The subsequent day will be dedicated to a visit to the Trimbakeshwar Jyotirlinga. Subsequently, tourists will be accompanied back to the railway station to continue their journey to Jhansi, the final destination of this tour. Guests will travel approximately 3,600 km by train throughout this enlightening journey.
Passengers can enjoy the comfort of fully air-conditioned accommodations in three categories: AC I, AC II, and AC III. Ensuring utmost safety, the train incorporates advanced security measures such as CCTV cameras, electronic safes, and dedicated security guards appointed to each coach.
Package prices of the journey start at Rs 31,731 per person for AC 3 Tier, Rs 57,015 per person for AC 2 Tier, Rs 60,881 per person for AC 1 (Cabin), and Rs 68,145 per person for AC 1 (Coupe).
