KKN Gurugram Desk | As part of its ongoing “Bharat Gaurav” initiative, IRCTC has launched a devotional train tour dedicated to the seven (plus Shiva) Jyotirlinga temples, starting June 30, 2025, and concluding July 11, 2025. This special 11-night, 12-day pilgrimage package offers a carefully curated itinerary for Hindu devotees eager to visit major Shiva temples across India in comfort, with guidance, accommodation, meals, and travel all arranged.

IRCTC’s Regional Director Ajit Kumar Sinha confirmed that bookings are now open, allowing pilgrims to secure seats on a first-come, first-served basis.

2. Spiritual Circuit: Temples & Towns Covered

The train covers the following sacred sites across five states, enabling participants to undertake a coherent and immersive spiritual journey:

Additionally, a “Signature Bridge” sightseeing route is included between Nageshwar and Somnath.

3. Boarding Options in Uttar Pradesh

Seven key stations in Uttar Pradesh have been designated for pilgrims:

• Gorakhpur Junction

• Manakpur Junction

• Ayodhya Cantt

• Sultanpur

• Pratapgarh

• Prayagraj Sangam

• Raebareli

• Lucknow

• Kanpur

• Urai

• Jhansi

• Lalitpur

This wide coverage ensures devotees across eastern UP to Bundelkhand can access the tour. The train departs from a convenient entry point and allows flexible boarding.

4. Ticket Categories, Prices, and EMI Plans

IRCTC offers three fare categories with inclusive services covering accommodation, daily meals (with buffet/meal provisions), local travel during tours, and LTC reimbursement eligibility:

Bank EMI options are available at ₹826 per month, making it accessible for budget-conscious travelers. All bookings follow a first-cum-first-serve policy, so early reservations are advisable.

5. How to Book This Pilgrimage Tour

Interested devotees can book online via www.irctctourism.com. The website offers secure options across categories and accepts multiple payment methods. The journey also qualifies for LTC benefits, enabling government employees to claim the trip under their leave travel concession, making it a cost-effective and convenient pilgrimage.

6. Operational Changes for Other Trains: Govindpuri Stop Added

Ashok Nagar–Agra–Kanpur–Allahabad route saw new operational arrangements:

Starting July 24, 2025, several express trains—including Haldia–Anand Vihar Express, Banaras–New Delhi Express, Kolkata–Udaipur Express, and Guwahati–New Delhi Express—will halt at Govindpuri Station instead of Kanpur Central.

Similar schedule adjustments are in place for down-trains (New Delhi–Puri, Ajmer–Sialdah, etc.) from July 24 to July 30. These enhancements aim to ease passenger boarding and decongest Kanpur Central.

Why This Matters: Tradition Meets Convenience

This Ayurvedic-inspired pilgrimage train, combining spirituality with modern conveniences, caters to a growing interest in structured religious tourism. The package supports local economies by bringing devotees to underdeveloped sacred towns and fosters cultural cohesion across regions.

Moreover, the use of EMI plans and LTC compatibility shows IRCTC’s understanding of traveler financial constraints, making heritage tourism more inclusive.