Q. Why is this in News?
A. India’s first private train, under the Bharat Gaurav scheme has been flagged off from Coimbatore.
- The train will cover several historical destinations on the route while giving the passengers an insight into the cultural heritage of the country.
Q. What is Bharat Gaurav Scheme?
A.
- About:
- Launched in November 2021, under the scheme, trains now have a third segment for tourism. Till now, the Railways had passenger segments and goods segments.
- These trains are not regular trains that will run as per a timetable but will be more on the lines of the Ramayana Express being run by the IRCTC.
- It was announced under the theme-based tourist circuit trains. These trains will be run by both private players and IRCTC, in theme-based circuits.
- By theme-based tourism (circuits), the railways mean trains like Guru Kripa that go to all places related to Guru Nanak or a Ramayan-themed train to touch upon places related to Lord Ram.
- Anyone, from societies, trusts, consortia and even state governments can apply to take these trains and run them on special tourism circuits based on a theme.
- Service Provider will offer all-inclusive packages to tourists including rail travel, hotel accommodation, sightseeing arrangement, visit to historical/heritage sites, tour guides etc.
- Benefits of such Scheme:
- These trains will help realise India’s rich cultural heritage and magnificent historical places to the people of India and the world.
- They will also help in tapping the vast tourism potential of India.
Q. What are the other Related Scheme?
A.
- Swadesh Darshan Scheme:
- Swadesh Darshan, a Central Sector Scheme, was launched in 2014 -15 for integrated development of theme-based tourist circuits in the country.
- PRASHAD Scheme:
- The ‘National Mission on Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Augmentation Drive’ (PRASAD) was launched by the Ministry of Tourism in the year 2014-15 with the objective of holistic development of identified pilgrimage destinations.
- Buddhist Conclave:
- Buddhist Conclave is organised every alternate year with the objective of promoting India as a Buddhist Destination and major markets around the globe.
- Dekho Apna Desh’ Initiative:
- It is an initiative to encourage the citizens to travel widely within the country and explore the wonders of India thus enabling the development of Domestic Tourism tourist facilities and infrastructure in tourism spots in the country.
Q. What is the State of Tourism in India?
A.
- Tourism in India is important for the country's economy and is growing rapidly.
- According to the World Travel and Tourism Council, the travel & tourism industry’s contribution to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) was USD 121.9 billion in 2020 and this is expected to reach USD 512 billion by 2028.
- In India, the industry’s direct contribution to the GDP is expected to record an annual growth rate of 10.35% between 2019 and 2028.
- Also, the Travel and Tourism Competitiveness Report 2019 ranked India 34th out of 140 countries overall, showing India’s efforts to improve in the field.
