What is the significance of CM Fadnavis flagging off the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Circuit Bharat Gaurav train?

Mumbai, June 9 (NationPress) Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis officially inaugurated the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Circuit Railway service under the Gaurav Yatra initiative of Indian Railways, emphasizing that this journey will offer an inspiring experience for all travelers.

He added that the effort to preserve the history of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and the spirit of Independence will be carried forward through this railway.

“Currently, over seven hundred passengers are aboard this train. A significant 80 percent of them are under the age of forty, eager to explore the rich history surrounding Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Individuals from all corners of the state will have the chance to delve into history via this circuit railway. It’s been 351 years since the coronation of Chhatrapati Shivaji, and I’m thrilled to see this railway commence operations on this significant date,” the chief minister remarked.

CM Fadnavis highlighted that Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj established Swarajya by conquering the Mughals and foreign oppressors, which later extended to include Attari.

“The first stop of this Gaurav Yatra will be at Raigad. Additionally, during this journey, vital locations such as Shivneri, Lal Mahal, and Shivsruthi in Pune will be included. The Goddess Ambabai of Kolhapur will also be a destination. I extend my congratulations to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnav, and the state’s Cultural Affairs Minister Ashish Shelar along with his team, as well as the Tourism Department,” he stated.

During the event, Chief Minister Fadnavis conveyed his best wishes to the passengers, celebrating their participation in this inaugural circuit yatra.

This special five-day tour will encompass visits to significant historical sites linked to the life of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and various history-themed programs. “The arrival of this magnificent train at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus in Mumbai, in collaboration with the Government of Maharashtra, promises to be a spectacular showcase of Maharashtra’s culture. Tourists will receive comprehensive information about the attractions at each stop made by the Bharat Gaurav train,” the government release stated.

The itinerary includes a visit to Raigad Fort – where Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj was crowned and served as the capital; Lal Mahal in Pune – where he spent his childhood; Kasba Ganapati and Shiva Culture in Pune – a museum dedicated to the life of Pune’s village deity and Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj; Shivneri Fort – the birthplace of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj; Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga – one of the twelve major Jyotirlingas; Pratapgad Fort – the site of the historic victory over Afzal Khan; Kolhapur – home to the Mahalaxmi Temple; and Panhala Fort – a symbol of the valor of Bajiprabhu Deshpande.

To ensure a pleasant and memorable experience for all travelers, officials from the Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation, in partnership with AirCTC, will provide guidance at every step. During this five-day journey, from railway stations to royal forts, tourists will be able to appreciate the footprints of history at each locale.

On Monday, tourists were greeted at the railway station by the Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation amidst the sounds of traditional drums and cymbals, as reported by the government.

In attendance were Assembly Speaker Rahul Narvekar, Cultural Affairs Minister Ashish Shelar, Cultural Department Secretary Vikas Kharge, Tourism Principal Secretary Atul Patne, Managing Director of Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation Manoj Kumar Suryavanshi, General Manager of Indian Railways Dharamveer Meena, IRCTC's Rahul Himalian, General Manager of Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation Chandrashekhar Jaiswal, Senior Manager Sanjay Dhekane, along with railway officials and passengers.