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Time of India
24 minutes ago
- Time of India
IRCTC's new tatkal rules you must know before your next confirmed train ticket booking: Know all FAQ's
IRCTC's new tatkal rules you must know before your next confirmed train ticket booking: Know all FAQ's Indian Railways is gearing up to introduce mandatory e-Aadhaar authentication to book Tatkal train tickets, in a move aimed at curbing ticketing fraud and improving transparency in the reservation process. The new system is expected to roll out later this month and will be applicable to all users booking Tatkal tickets through the IRCTC portal, according to the reports. Also read: Waiting list train ticket? Get ticket confirmation assurance with up to 3x money back guarantee from Ixigo, Redbus and MakeMyTrip Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Cel mai popular echipament de sudură din zonă siginificant Află mai multe Undo by Taboola by Taboola 'Indian Railways will soon start using e-Aadhaar authentication to book Tatkal tickets. This will help genuine users get confirmed tickets during need,' Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said on June 3, 2025. — AshwiniVaishnaw (@AshwiniVaishnaw) Live Events What is Aadhaar authentication? 'Aadhaar Authentication' is a process by which the Aadhaar number along with demographic information (such as name, date of birth, gender etc) or biometric information (Fingerprint or Iris) of an individual is submitted to UIDAI's Central Identities Data Repository (CIDR) for its verification and UIDAI verifies the correctness of the details submitted, or the lack thereof, on the basis of information available with it. Train ticket booking: New mobile app SwaRail launched by IRCTC; step-by-step guide on how to use it railway ticket How to book tatkal tickets in IRCTC portal? Step 1: Login by entering your User name and Password in the IRCTC website ( Step 2: Provide your desired From - To station, Date of Journey and Class of travel. Ste 3: Select Tatkal option in the quota dropdown. The next page displays the list of trains available for the selected route. Step 4: Click on the type of class available in the selected train. The quota option is available on right side of the above mentioned train list. Step 5: To book Tatkal ticket in the selected train, click on 'Book Now' button Step 6: Enter the names of the passengers, age, gender, berth preference and food choice for each passenger. The maximum length of names should be restricted to 16 characters. Step 7: Enter the verification code. Enter the Passenger mobile number to receive the booking and cancellation free SMS. Step 8: Click on Continue button. The ticket details, Total fare (including GST & Convenience Fee) and availability of berths at the particular time appear on the screen Step 9: After checking all details, click on the Continue button for the Payment process. Step 10: Select the desired payment option from the displayed Payment Gateway menus. Step 11: Click on "Pay & Book" button for redirection to the selected Bank website. After successful payment and booking of accommodations, Ticket Confirmation Page will appear. Virtual reservation message (VRM) in the form of SMS will be sent on Mobile Number (as provided in the Passenger reservation form. Important FAQs related IRCTC tatkal booking What is Tatkal ticket time? A: Tatkal ticket booking opens one day before the date of journey (excluding the day of journey) from the train's originating station. For AC classes (1A/2A/3A/CC/EC/EA/3E): Booking starts at 10:00 AM. For Non-AC classes (SL/FC/2S): Booking starts at 11:00 AM. Is Tatkal available 2 days before journey? A: No, Tatkal booking is not available two days before the journey. It opens only one day in advance, excluding the day of journey. For example, if your train departs on the 5th, Tatkal booking opens on the 4th. What is the maximum number of passengers allowed in one Tatkal booking? You can book up to 4 passengers per PNR under the Tatkal quota. Is there any discount or concession for senior citizens in Tatkal? No, senior citizen concession is not applicable under Tatkal quota. What are the payment options for booking Tatkal tickets? You can pay using: Net Banking Credit/Debit Cards IRCTC eWallet UPI Wallets (like Paytm, Amazon Pay) Can I cancel a Tatkal e-ticket? Confirmed Tatkal e-tickets: Cancellation allowed up to 30 minutes before departure, but no refund is granted. RAC/Waitlisted Tatkal tickets: Refunds as per general railway rules. Cancellation must be done online via IRCTC portal. How much extra should I pay for my ticket? Tatkal charges per passenger in addition to normal ticket. The Tatkal Charges have been fixed as a percentage of fare at the rate of 10% of basic fare for second class and 30% of basic fare for all other classes subject to minimum and maximum as given in the table below:- Class of Travel Minimum Tatkal Charges (in Rs.) Maximum Tatkal Charges (in Rs.) Second (sitting) 10 15 Sleeper 100 200 AC Chair Car 125 225 AC 3 Tier 300 400 AC 2 Tier 400 500 Executive 400 500
Hans India
2 days ago
- Business
- Hans India
MyVoice: Views of our readers 8th June 2025
From Chenab Bridge to Delhi: Kashmir now in the mainstream When the first whistle of a train echoed through the winds of Kashmir, it was not merely a sound but a proclamation of a new India—a moment when the tracks of the railway embraced the paradise nestled in the valley. The Chenab Bridge, the world's highest railway bridge, towering over even the Eiffel Tower, is not just an engineering marvel but a symbol of India's self-reliance and resolve. By flagging off the first train service from Katra to Srinagar, Prime Minister Narendra Modi scripted history—not just the departure of a train but a divine moment that ignited the flame of development. The Modi government's vision and relentless effort have turned this impossible dream into reality, not only connecting Kashmir but also showcasing India's strength to the world. This victory resonates from the peaks of the Himalayas to the valleys of Kashmir, immortalized by the Modi government's adept leadership. For decades, Kashmir grappled with geographical barriers, but now the rail network has embraced it. The once risky, exhausting, and unsafe road journey has been transformed into a swift, modern ride on trains like Vande Bharat, covering the distance in under 10 hours. The journey from Katra to Srinagar via Banihal will not only save time and effort but also usher in a new dawn for tourists and locals alike. IRCTC's world-class facilities—convenient ticket booking, modern coaches, and delicious catering—will make this journey a memorable experience. In the Prime Minister's words, this bridge is not just a structure of steel but a bridge of hearts, erasing the shadows of terror and spreading rays of peace and prosperity. Following the recent Pahalgam terrorist attack, the Modi government's resolute and courageous response sent a clear message: Pakistan's attempts to spread fear will fail, and India no longer merely endures—it forges the path to victory. This rail network is set to become the foundation of an economic revolution. Kashmir's red apples, handicrafts, and traditional products will now reach major markets across the country at lower costs and in less time, bringing prosperity to local traders and opening new employment opportunities for the youth. This transformation will elevate Kashmir's economy to new heights, bringing prosperity to every household. For tourism, this connectivity marks the beginning of a golden era. People from every corner of India can now step directly into Kashmir's enchanting valleys by train—where the chinar trees blooming in the lap of the Himalayas, the serenity of Dal Lake, and the beauty of Shalimar Bagh will be visible from the train's window. Travelers who once hesitated due to arduous journeys will now find wings for their dreams, and Kashmir will emerge as a global tourism hub—all made possible by the Modi government's steadfast resolve and technological advancements. This railway is not just a network of tracks but an unparalleled saga of unity, trust, and progress. Kashmir, once seemingly disconnected from the mainstream, is now becoming its beating heart. The sound of the tracks, the whistle of the train, and the winds of the valley carry the call of this new creation, propelling India toward the role of a global leader. This project will not only enrich Kashmir but also strengthen the nation's unity and integrity. The Modi government's monumental achievement has given Kashmir a new identity—one that pierces the darkness of terror to spread the light of development. As the train races through Kashmir's valleys, it will not merely be a train but a symbol of every dream that seeks to reach from the snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas to every village in the valley. This is a journey that touches hearts, brings tears of hope to eyes, and fills India's soul with pride. The Modi government's extraordinary triumph has shown Kashmir the path to prosperity, and this railway will remain a source of inspiration for generations to come—an inspiration that will echo as long as the Himalayas stand and Kashmir's valleys remain lush and green. This is the song of India's victory, one that will reside in every heart and inspire every soul. Prof RK Jain 'Arijeet',Barwani (MP) India's global influence waning India's diplomatic isolation represents a failure of its foreign policy. The all-party delegations that visited various foreign countries received only a lukewarm reception. They could not even get an audience with the most influential figures from those countries in the international arena. There is nothing substantial that India has gained from the diplomatic outreach. Even brilliant parliamentarians like Shashi Tharoor and Salman Khurshid could not make any difference. The international community's disinclination to delink the India-Kashmir conflict from the Kashmir issue seems to be the major problem that even its rigorous diplomacy finds hard to surmount. No matter what the BJP and the Modi government say for domestic consumption, even the all-weather friend Russia has seconded US President Donald Trump's claim of mediation for an end to military operations. At the same time, Pakistan seems to have succeeded in winning over the international community and multilateral financial agencies. It has managed to become the vice-chair of a UN panel on terrorism and avail loans from the International Monetary Fund, the World Bank and the Asian Development Bank. By fulfilling the legitimate political aspirations of the people of Jammu and Kashmir and devolving more power to them, India can hope to demonstrate that Jammu and Kashmir is its integral part and change the global perception of it and win international support. G David Milton, Maruthancode, Tamil Nadu Suffocated academics The United States government's plans to cut economic support to universities is quite disheartening. American Universities have been a lighthouse for the world and this nation has also attracted talent from everywhere. Renowned Nobel Laureates have been given in every field. The politicians of the world must abstain from playing with the educational institutions and universities in their bid to destroy the academics and scholastic pursuits thoughtlessly. Instead of curtailing economic support by the US government, it should find ways to correlate with the alumni of these universities as well as other universities and governments for collaborative strengthening of educational pursuits. It must be understood by all the nations' politicians that disturbed teachers and students due to lack of funding support in research will do no good either to the polity or economy of the country they govern. Suffocation due to lack of opportunities for flow of innovative ideas will be fatal for the growth of our civilization and for lasting peace. Brij B Goyal, Ludhiana (Punjab) Leave language politics alone The formation of Bharatiya Bhasha Anubhag (Indian languages section) within the Department of Official Languages by the Union government is a step towards appeasing the non-Hindi speaking states to use their mother tongue in official languages. The government thinks that this will soften their stand against the charge of Hindi bias. There is no special interest in developing the local languages by the central government. English helps the southern states to communicate easily and effectively with the centre. Moreover, translating everything in local languages is not possible. There are many pressing issues to be taken up by the government. Why is the government taking up the language issue time and again? Let the government continue to deal in English and Hindi as has been the practice. S Sankaranarayanan, Chennai Does Modi believe in 'I' over 'We'? The construction of the world's highest railway bridge over the Chenab river makes every Indian swell with pride. It was a massive engineering feat, requiring the expertise of over 1,300 engineers, technicians, and workers. Civil engineers, mechanical engineers, structural engineers, welders and technicians, and all manner of other professionals were needed to complete this engineering marvel. Yet, Modi's image walking all alone by himself with India's national flag had "I" rather than "We" written all over it. Only an Everester can claim such bragging rights, as the achievement is singularly his. In the case of the Chenab bridge, it is just a happy coincidence that this engineering marvel has been completed under Modi's watch. Modi ought to have humbly dedicated the bridge to the nation, rather than conveying the unspoken message that it was "I" ( rather than "We" ) who did it. Avinash Godboley, Dewas, Madhya Pradesh Is cricket now a fatal attraction for its fans? The event is only IPL, a money making venture. The team has not won any international trophy. It is the madness that cricket is injecting into the younger minds. Result these types of tragedies. Gainers the individual players, IPL and cricket boards. It is high time this frenzy is curtailed and divert the youth to take up alternate sport events. As a country, we are yet to make an impact in the Olympics. IPL is just a fun game. The loss of 11 lives is precious and whoever is responsible should be severely punished as per the law and there is no escape route. The first accused are all Karnataka television news channels. They are the ones who truly promoted this RCB team. They emotionally hyped up these auctioned players as if they were nation-builders, societal architects, or those who achieved something remarkable after 18 years. They discussed a 3-hour game for 30 hours, indulging in perverse sensationalism. Hence, they are the first accused. The second accused are the RCB franchise, RCB fans' club, and KSCA. Despite having a stadium with a capacity of 35,000 seats, they allowed a flood of lakhs of frenzied fans without any preparation, despite past experiences. There was no need to bring players on a special flight and organize an event the very next day after the final. Had they planned carefully, issued passes to those who needed them, and obtained police permission, this accident could have been prevented. They sacrificed people for their spectacle. The third accused is the Karnataka government, particularly Chief Minister Shri Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister Shri D.K. Shivakumar. They should not have displayed the immorality of honouring individuals who won in such gambling at the temple of democracy, Vidhana Soudha. For a Chief Minister with a socialist background like Siddaramaiah, the words of Ram Manohar Lohia about cricket should have come to mind. What was the need to honour them in front of Vidhana Soudha? The fourth accused are the Bengaluru Police Commissioner and the heads of the intelligence and surveillance departments. Regardless of the pressure from KSCA, the government, or cricket fans, they should have rejected the proposal to organize such an event so soon in an emotionally charged situation with a large crowd. They should not have granted permission or should have dispersed the crowd with a lathi charge. Their failure in this regard is evident. People rely on the police for their safety, and the police are the only ones who can control such frenzy; no one else can. The fifth accused are helpless social activists like us with feeble voices. We have failed to bring enlightenment to society's mindset. When cricket, a wonderful sport, was turned into gambling, we failed to raise awareness against it. We are unable to stop the youth from indulging in such madness because we, too, are helpless. Therefore, we are also the fifth accused. In IPL, the game of cricket is not a winner and the madness comes in the open. C.K. Suresh, Ghaziabad Locked out, beaten down: Human rights violated at KSCA Stadium Thousands of RCB fans injured and traumatised after stadium gates were shut and police resorted to lathi charge despite sparse crowd inside. What began as a day of enthusiasm and hope for thousands of Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) fans turned into a harrowing example of institutional mismanagement, negligence, and a disturbing case of human rights violations at the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) Stadium. On Wednesday, June 4, throngs of cricket fans—many of them students and young adults—arrived at the stadium, eager to witness their beloved RCB team in flesh and blood. But instead of cheers and cricket, they were met with locked gates, baton-wielding police, and chaos that left at least 40 persons injured, many with lacerations, bruises, and trauma. This was not a stampede born of unruliness. It was the outcome of preventable administrative failure and state-enabled violence—both of which demand scrutiny under the lens of human rights law. At the core of the fiasco lies a critical breach of Article 21 of the Indian Constitution, which guarantees the right to life and personal liberty. This fundamental right, interpreted over the decades to include the right to safety and dignity, was blatantly disregarded by KSCA authorities and law enforcement officials. Senior human rights activists and advocates point out that this was a case of grave violation of personal liberty and Human rights put together. State based human rights association are now examining at the high court level to go in for a case for human rights violations against the KSCA. Despite widespread ticketing and crowd anticipation, KSCA inexplicably shut the stadium gates, leaving thousands stranded in tightly packed, suffocating conditions. Eyewitnesses confirmed that less than a quarter of the stadium was filled at the time, raising serious questions about intent, transparency, and competence. The predictable outcome was a human crush. When the gates were eventually opened—far too late and without any control mechanisms—the desperate crowd surged forward. Instead of orderly entry, fans were met with gates slammed shut in their faces, resulting in dozens of injuries. These actions are not merely logistical lapses; they represent culpable negligence. Any reasonable authority could have anticipated the danger of locking large crowds outside an underfilled venue. In failing to take even minimal precautions, the KSCA and its partners compromised the safety of citizens—a violation that must be investigated under relevant public safety and human rights frameworks. As if the chaos outside the stadium gates were not traumatic enough, the police response escalated the situation into an outright assault on civil liberties. With fans pushed against barricades, police resorted to a lathi charge to control the crowd. But video and first-hand accounts indicate that the violence was indiscriminate, directed even at those trying to de-escalate or retreat. This use of force—especially on unarmed, peaceful fans including minors—is in direct violation of international human rights standards, including the UN Basic Principles on the Use of Force and Firearms by Law Enforcement Officials, which state that force must be used only when strictly necessary and in proportion to the threat posed. In this case, the threat was manufactured by institutional mismanagement. The police were not responding to violence—they were reacting to a crowd denied access and dignity. Their role should have been to protect citizens, not to punish them for institutional failures. These are not rhetorical questions. They demand formal investigation and public accountability, not just from the KSCA but also from local police leadership and civic authorities responsible for event coordination. It is alarming that, as of now, no one has stepped forward to accept responsibility, nor have any apologies been issued to the injured fans or their families. The treatment meted out to the fans also infringes on Article 19(1)(b) of the Indian Constitution—the right to assemble peacefully. By criminalising a civilian gathering and reacting with force rather than facilitation, both the KSCA and the police turned a peaceful sporting event into a site of state-enabled trauma. This incident is not merely a matter of mismanagement—it is a case study in how public institutions can turn everyday civil gatherings into rights violations. Sporting events are supposed to unite communities. What happened outside KSCA on June 4 will be remembered as a moment when cricket fans were treated as liabilities, not citizens. The injuries, physical and emotional, will take time to heal. But unless institutional accountability, apologies, and corrective actions follow, the damage will only deepen. -M Raghuram, Mangaluru A litmus test of popular mood Apropos, "The real battle for Bihar has begun," THI, Jun 7. Though still five months away, the Bihar Assembly elections have already ignited intense political fervour. The high-stakes battle looms larger than ever, as the polls mark the first major democratic exercise following the spectacular success of Operation Sindoor—an assertive military manoeuvre against Pakistan that the NDA will undoubtedly spotlight as a testament to its nationalist credentials. The ruling alliance appears poised to capitalise on the patriotic euphoria, weaving national security triumphs into its state-level narrative. Meanwhile, the opposition UPA faces a strategic conundrum—caught between countering the jingoistic wave and articulating a locally resonant alternative vision, a task that appears Sisyphean in the prevailing sentiment. Compounding the political intrigue is the advancing age of Chief Minister Nitish Kumar. Whispers of a potential leadership transition within the NDA have gained traction. Should Kumar step aside, speculation intensifies over whether a BJP or JD(U) stalwart would emerge as the alliance's face, with implications for intra-coalition dynamics. In essence, Bihar's electoral verdict will transcend local governance—it will be a litmus test of popular mood, ideological resonance, and the evolving contours of national versus regional political priorities. N Sadhasiva Reddy, Bengaluru
News18
2 days ago
- Business
- News18
Planning Kashmir Vande Bharat Trip? You'll Have To Wait A Few Days As All Seats Are Booked
Last Updated: The consistently full bookings indicate strong demand and public confidence in the new route, say officials The first two commercial Vande Bharat trains recorded 100% occupancy as services commenced on Saturday, a day after Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated them. A railways ministry official told News18 that both trains — one departing at 8.10 am and the other at 2.55 pm from Katra — were fully booked. Another IRCTC official informed News18 that occupancy for the next three trips on these trains was also at 100% as of Saturday afternoon. No vacancy Train 20401 departs from Katra at 8 am. Occupancy for the next three trips on this train is 100%, with the waiting list reaching 60. Train 20403 currently has a waiting list of over 50 passengers. The trains will traverse scenic landscapes — from deep valleys to majestic mountain ranges — and are expected to boost tourism in the region. Until Saturday, Srinagar lacked rail connectivity, with air and road travel being the only options. This has now changed with the completion of the missing rail link and the introduction of these trains. The ministry official added that the overwhelming response reflects growing interest in improved connectivity and the potential of the trains to support regional tourism. 'With modern features and faster travel times, the Vande Bharat trains are expected to significantly improve passenger convenience and boost tourism in the valley," the official said. On Friday, PM Modi inaugurated two Vande Bharat trains Train 26401 will complete the journey in 2 hours and 58 minutes, with chair car fares at Rs 715 and executive class at Rs 1,320. This train will depart from Katra at 8.10 am and arrive in Srinagar at 11.08 am, with a two-minute stop at Banihal at 9.56 am. On its return journey, the train will be numbered 26402. Chair car fares will be Rs 880 and executive class Rs 1,515. The train will depart from Srinagar at 2 pm and arrive in Katra at 4.58 pm, with a two-minute stop at Banihal at 3.08 pm. Trains 26401/26402 will operate six days a week, excluding Tuesdays. Train 26403 will depart from Katra at 2.55 pm and arrive in Srinagar at 5.53 pm, completing the journey in 2 hours and 58 minutes. The fare on this train will be Rs 660 for a chair car seat and Rs 1,270 for executive class. The price difference compared to the first Vande Bharat train is due to a difference in catering charges. From Srinagar, train 26404 will depart at 8 am and arrive in Katra at 10.58 am, with a two-minute stop at Banihal at 9 am. Fares will be Rs 715 for chair car and Rs 1,320 for executive class. Trains 26403/04 will operate six days a week, excluding Wednesdays. The consistently full bookings indicate strong demand and public confidence in the new route, say officials. Offering scenic views and shorter travel times, the Vande Bharat trains are poised to become a vital link for both daily commuters and tourists in the region.
The Print
3 days ago
- The Print
Not a seat left vacant as J&K's all-new Vande Bharat makes first journey from Katra to Srinagar
Two passenger trains will run daily from Katra to Srinagar—one at 8:10 am and another at 2:55 pm. The trains were launched on the eve of Eid-ul-Adha. In fact, according to the IRCTC website, the pairs of trains for Saturday and Sunday were fully booked within hours of Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurating them 6 June. Katra/Jammu: When the Vande Bharat Express left the Katra railway station at 8:10 am Saturday on its first commercial journey to Srinagar, it was 100 percent booked. The return journey is also fully booked, as are the train's journeys on Sunday. The 272-km Udhampur–Srinagar–Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) will provide all-weather connectivity. The historic line connects Kashmir not just to Jammu but to the rest of India via a railway line for the first time. On Friday, PM Modi flagged off two train services: one from Shri Mata Vaishno Devi (SMVD) Railway Station in Katra to Srinagar, and the other from Srinagar to Katra. Alongside, the prime minister also inaugurated the world's highest railway arch bridge over the Chenab as well as the country's first cable-stayed bridge of the Indian Railways over Anji Khad. Within Jammu and Kashmir, trains have so far been operational between Banihal and Baramulla in the Kashmir Valley, and between Jammu, Udhampur, and Katra in the Jammu region. But for the first, a direct train link from Jammu's Katra to Srinagar has opened. The launch of this rail link comes just weeks after the Pahalgam terror attack and Operation Sindoor. Kashmir has seen a dip in tourism since the 22 April attack, and the new train service is being seen as a move toward restoring normalcy in the Valley. In his address, PM Modi said the attack on tourists in Pahalgam was an attempt to 'engineer communal clashes across the country and deprive the people of Kashmir of their livelihood.' Also Read: What Indian Railways needs right now—safety more than speed The inaugural run On 6 June, the inaugural Vande Bharat Express ran from Katra to Sangaldan in Ramban district, and a second service ran from Srinagar to Sangaldan. To reach the station, the train passed through two key engineering landmarks: the Anji Khad cable-stayed bridge and the towering Chenab rail bridge—the tallest railway bridge in the world. In its journey to Sangalda, the train goes through breathtaking lush green hills, stretches of pine forest, and a series of tunnels—almost one every half a kilometre—cut through rugged terrain. According to Northern Railway spokesperson Dilip Kumar, the train has been designed using advanced technology to operate in J&K's tough topographic and climatic conditions. 'The train has been equipped with such technology that it will warm up to provide comfort to the passengers during intense winters the region witnesses,' Kumar told ThePrint. The most challenging part of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla rail link project was constructing the Chenab rail bridge—made of steel and concrete. It was a difficult task as the region falls in a high-risk seismic zone and witnesses frequent spells of gusty winds. After several trial runs, the train was finally launched on 6 June. According to the railway officials, the Chenab bridge can withstand wind speeds up to 260 km/h. It has a projected lifespan of 120 years. 'This is not any general railway line but an engineering marvel. It's the feather in the cap of Indian Railways and a proud moment for the engineers and everyone involved in building this bridge,' Kumar said. (Edited by Ajeet Tiwari) Also Read: Now Katra to Srinagar in just 3 hrs. PM Modi flags off Vande Bharat linking Kashmir to rest of India
Hans India
3 days ago
- Hans India
IRCTC's Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj heritage train tour receives overwhelming response
The Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC), a Navratna company under the Ministry of Railways, Government of India, has received an overwhelming response to its newly-launched 'Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Circuit Train Tour.' Scheduled to depart from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT), Mumbai, on June 9, the heritage tour is already fully booked. A total of 710 passengers have secured their spots across various classes, with 480 bookings in Economy (Sleeper Class), 190 in Comfort (3AC), and 40 in Superior (2AC). This six-day train journey has been specially curated to showcase the glorious history and grand legacy of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. The tour is the result of a collaborative effort between the Government of Maharashtra, Indian Railways, and IRCTC, aiming to provide travellers with an immersive experience that brings to life the heroic saga of the legendary Maratha ruler. The train will cover historically significant sites such as Raigad Fort, Shivneri Fort, Pratapgad Fort, Panhala Fort, Lal Mahal, Kasba Ganpati Temple, and Shivsrushti, all closely associated with the key events and life of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. The journey begins with the train departing from CSMT and heading toward Mangaon station on the Konkan Railway network, the nearest access point to Raigad Fort. Raigad is the site of Shivaji Maharaj's coronation and was his capital. After sightseeing, tourists will travel to Pune for an overnight hotel stay. On the second day, they will visit Lal Mahal, a red palace originally built by Shivaji's father Shahaji Bhosale in 1630, and later rebuilt in 1984. Tourists will also see the Kasba Ganpati Temple, believed to have been established by Shivaji's mother Jijabai, and the historical theme park Shivsrushti, where Shivaji's life story is presented through 3D visuals and interactive exhibits. Visitors will spend a second night in Pune. On the third day, the tour continues to Shivneri Fort, Shivaji Maharaj's birthplace located atop a hill near Junnar and will also visit the Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga Temple, one of the twelve Jyotirlingas in India. After the visit, tourists return to Pune for overnight rest. On the fourth day, the train will proceed to Satara. From there, travellers will explore Pratapgad Fort, the historic site of the 1659 battle between Shivaji Maharaj and Afzal Khan of the Bijapur Sultanate. After this visit, the group will leave for Kolhapur. The final day of the tour begins with the train arriving at Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj Terminus in Kolhapur. Following this, there will be a tour of the iconic Panhala Fort, located in the Sahyadri Hills. This fort has deep historical connections with Shivaji Maharaj, who was held captive there for over 500 days before making a dramatic escape. Known as the 'Fort of Serpents' due to its winding structure, Panhala is also famous for the legendary bravery of Baji Prabhu Deshpande, Shivaji's general, during a crucial battle to retain control of the fort. The tour package includes train travel, comfortable hotel accommodations, all vegetarian meals, transfers and sightseeing via air-conditioned buses, travel insurance, and the assistance of experienced tour escorts. IRCTC has assured that all necessary arrangements have been made to ensure the safety and comfort of passengers while providing a culturally enriching and memorable journey.
