Devendra Fadnavis Flags Off Bharat Gaurav Train on Shivaji Maharaj Coronation Anniversary

Mumbai, June 9: In a historic tribute to one of India’s greatest warriors, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Monday flagged off the Bharat Gaurav Special Tourist Train dedicated to the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Circuit. The launch coincided with the 351st anniversary of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s coronation, marking a significant moment for heritage tourism in the state.

The special six-day tour train was inaugurated at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) in Mumbai under the Indian Railways’ Bharat Gaurav initiative, which aims to promote the country’s cultural and spiritual heritage through curated rail journeys.

The Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Circuit train will cover iconic locations deeply associated with the Maratha ruler’s life and legacy, including Raigad Fort, Shivneri Fort, Pratapgad Fort, Panhala Fort, Lal Mahal, Kasba Ganpati, and Shivsrushti. Spiritual destinations such as Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga and the Mahalaxmi Temple in Kolhapur are also part of the itinerary, offering passengers a rich blend of history and devotion.

Addressing the gathering at the flag-off ceremony, CM Fadnavis said, “My greetings to everyone on the occasion of Shiv Rajyabhishek Day. It was on this day 351 years ago that Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj laid the foundation of Hindavi Swaraj. This special Bharat Gaurav Train will connect people, especially the youth, with that legacy. I thank Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw and Prime Minister Narendra Modi for making this possible.”

The response to the inaugural run has been overwhelming, with all 710 seats fully booked. Notably, nearly 80% of the passengers are under the age of 40, a statistic that Fadnavis said highlights the younger generation’s keen interest in their heritage.

Dr. Swapnil D. Nila, Chief Public Relations Officer of Central Railway, said the launch of the train on the anniversary of Shivaji Maharaj’s coronation is both “symbolic and inspiring.” He added, “This journey is not just about visiting forts and temples; it is about experiencing the courage, vision, and leadership that defined Shivaji Maharaj’s reign.”

The train has been equipped with onboard hospitality, expert-curated commentary, and cultural programming to enrich the experience of travelers, making it a moving classroom of Maratha history.

With its successful debut, the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Circuit under the Bharat Gaurav scheme is set to become a major draw for heritage tourism, blending history, devotion, and pride in Maharashtra’s glorious past.