Maharashtra Launches Bharat Gaurav Train for Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Circuit

The Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Devendra Fadnavis, has inaugurated the Bharat Gaurav special tourist train dedicated to the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj circuit. According to Dr. Swapnil D. Neela, the Chief Public Relations Officer of Central Railway, "The Bharat Gaurav train is commencing its journey today from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus." He further added, "This is a matter of pride, especially as today marks the 351st anniversary of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's coronation."

On this occasion, the Bharat Gaurav train is set to carry approximately 710 passengers to various locations significant to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's legacy.

During the launch, CM Fadnavis expressed, "Best wishes to everyone on Shiv Rajya Abhishek day. 351 years ago, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj founded Hindavi Swaraj. The Bharat Gaurav Yatra train will take passengers to all major sites associated with Shivaji Maharaj over the next five days. I extend my gratitude to Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw and Prime Minister Narendra Modi for making this possible." He noted that the initiative has garnered significant public interest, stating, "The train is fully booked for its inaugural journey. Today, 710 passengers are on board, with 80% being under 40 years old, indicating a strong desire among youth to connect with our history."

The Bharat Gaurav Express will take travelers to key historical and cultural sites in Maharashtra linked to Shivaji Maharaj, including forts, temples, and museums. The six-day itinerary features visits to Raigad Fort, Shivneri Fort, Pratapgad, Panhala, Lal Mahal, Kasba Ganapati Temple, and Shivshrishti Theme Park. Religious sites such as the Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga Temple and Mahalaxmi Temple in Kolhapur are also included in the journey.

Here’s a day-by-day breakdown of the itinerary:

Day 1: Mangaon (to Raigad Fort); overnight stay in Pune

Day 2: Lal Mahal, Kasba Ganapati, and Shivshrishti; overnight stay in Pune

Day 3: Shivneri Fort and Bhimashankar Temple; return to Pune

Day 4: Satara (Pratapgad Fort); heading towards Kolhapur

Day 5: Mahalaxmi Temple and Panhala Fort

Day 6: Return to Mumbai

Officials from Central Railway have confirmed that all seats in the Economy (Sleeper), Comfort (3AC), and Superior (2AC) categories are sold out for the first journey. The all-inclusive tour package covers train travel, hotel accommodations, meals (vegetarian only), local transfers, sightseeing, travel insurance, and escort services.

This journey is part of the Indian Railways' Bharat Gaurav initiative, aimed at promoting domestic tourism through theme-based trains that highlight India's cultural and historical heritage.