Railways to run special train to Statue of Unity

The Indian Railways is all set to launch a special train for tourist visiting the Statue of Unity in Gujarat from March 4.

The development comes five months after the world's tallest statue was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The tourist train being run under the "Bharat Darshan Tour Scheme" will offer 7 nights and 8 days tour package and will commence its journey from Chandigarh covering pilgrimages like Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga in Ujjain, Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga near Indore, and Shirdi Sai Baba Darshan, Trimbakeshwar in Nashik and Ghrishneshwar Jyotirlinga in Aurangabad.

The tour will be conducted by Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation Limited (IRCTC) and is priced at Rs. 7560 per person. The tour package has multiple boarding and de-boarding stations viz Chandigarh, Ambala, Kurukshetra, Karnal, Panipat, Delhi Cantt., Rewari, Alwar and Jaipur for the facilitation of the tourists.

"The package has been designed to pay tribute to the Iron Man of India, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. The Statue of Unity is situated on the river island called Sadhu Bet in front of the Narmada Dam in Gujarat. It is the world's tallest statue at a height of 182 metres. The train will halt at Vadodara station and passengers will be taken to the statue of Unity by buses," said a government press release.

Further, the package includes train journey in non-AC sleeper class, hall/dormitory accommodation at places of night stay, morning freshen up, road transportation, pure vegetarian meals, sightseeing as per the itinerary by non-AC vehicles, services of the tour manager and security arrangements.

The package can be booked online on www.irctctourism.