First private train from Coimbatore- Shirdi chugs off from Coimbatore
The first train to be operated between Coimbatore and Shirdi by a private operator under Bharat Gaurav Scheme of the Indian Railways chugged off from Coimbatore North railway station.
The train, which left the station at 6 pm with around 1,100 passengers will have stoppages at Tirupur, Erode, Salem Jolarpet, Bengaluru Yelahanka, Dharmavara, Mantralayam Road (5 hrs halt) and Wadi before reaching Shirdi. After a one-day halt, the train will resume journey on Friday and reach Coimbatore on Saturday.
The train will be maintained by branded housekeeping service providers, who will clean the utility areas during frequent intervals and the caterers are experienced in preparing a traditional vegetarian menu, said a release.
A take away bedding kit will be provided in AC coaches. The coaches were fitted with high bass sounding speakers and an on rail radio jockey to keep passengers entertained through the journey. Devotional songs, spiritual stories and live interviews will be played out.
The ticket rates are on par with regular train ticket rates charged by Indian Railways and provide exclusive VIP Darshan at Shirdi Sai Baba Temple.