Mumbai witnessed the ceremonial departure of the much-anticipated Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Circuit Bharat Gaurav train, a dedicated heritage rail tour curated to celebrate the historical and cultural legacy of Maharashtra’s iconic warrior king. This initiative, under the Indian Railways’ Gaurav Yatra programme, aims to immerse travellers in the epoch of Shivaji Maharaj while boosting sustainable tourism in the state.
Over 700 passengers embarked on the inaugural journey, with a remarkable 80 percent of them under the age of forty. The tour is positioned not only as a historical reawakening but also as an educational and experiential initiative targeted at younger generations. The five-day circuit will traverse some of the most emblematic sites in Shivaji Maharaj’s life and Maratha history, from forts to temples and museums, promoting local tourism and reinforcing regional pride. Launched to coincide with the 351st anniversary of Shivaji Maharaj’s coronation, the train departs from Mumbai and will cover major historical landmarks including the Raigad Fort, Shivneri Fort, Lal Mahal in Pune, Pratapgad Fort, Panhala, and the Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga, among others. The journey also features a stop at the Mahalaxmi Temple in Kolhapur, a significant religious and cultural centre.
This heritage initiative seeks to blend cultural awareness with eco-conscious tourism. Managed in partnership with the Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation and facilitated by IRCTC, the train tour promotes minimal environmental impact by consolidating visits to key locations via rail — one of the lowest carbon-emitting forms of transport. On-ground support, including historical briefings and local guides, is provided to ensure a seamless and enriching experience at each stop. At the Mumbai departure point, passengers were welcomed with traditional percussion and cultural performances — a symbolic start to a journey rooted in Maharashtra’s soul. The atmosphere reflected a deliberate effort to foster heritage appreciation while ensuring that the programme aligns with contemporary sustainability goals.
Throughout the journey, specially curated programmes will bring alive Shivaji’s story — his vision of Swarajya, his military acumen, and his contributions to governance and fort architecture. Local communities are also engaged along the route, opening avenues for economic participation through tourism-based livelihoods, thereby aligning with broader goals of equitable development and inclusive urbanisation. This initiative marks a pivotal moment for the intersection of cultural heritage and responsible tourism. It demonstrates how regional pride can be channelled into nationwide programmes with a focus on education, sustainability, and gender-neutral access. Every traveller, regardless of age or background, is offered a chance to walk — or ride — through history, echoing the footsteps of one of India’s most revered leaders.
While the train commemorates the past, its model of integrated, low-carbon tourism holds promising implications for the future. As Indian cities evolve into smarter, more sustainable spaces, such heritage-linked efforts may well pave the path toward greener, more inclusive cultural development. The journey is as much about remembering a hero as it is about setting a standard — for how modern India can responsibly preserve and celebrate its rich past.
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