First Bharat Gaurav private train chugs out of Coimbatore

With nadhaswaram artists performing in one corner and chenda melam artists on the other end, there was a festive mood at Coimbatore North railway station on Tuesday evening, when the country's first private train under the Bharat Gaurav scheme arrived on the platform.
Operated by South Star Rail, the train would provide an unparalleled travelling experience to Sainagar Shirdi from Coimbatore North via Mantralayam Road.
On offer is a five-day round trip to Shirdi. In a month, three trips would be available.
V Sarojini, 77, a resident of Press Colony, said this was her maiden trip to Shirdi.
"My long-cherished dream has now come true. I am visiting the place along with my family members, thanks to the direct train."
The elderly woman has availed the package with accommodation in third class AC that is priced at 7,999, excluding taxes.
G Hemalatha, 47, from Singanallur, said the price charged by the private railway service provider was quite reasonable.
"The package includes VIP darshan, accommodation, insurance cover during the journey and a take-away bedding kit for AC coaches. The package will be better if it covers food also.
Presently, we have to spend from our pockets on food throughout the trip."
The service provider has offered 250 free tickets to various Saibaba trusts in Coimbatore, Tirupur, Erode and Mettupalayam.
Speaking to TOI, B Guganesan, chief public relations officer of Southern Railway, said that the train will halt at Mantralayam for more than five hours for the passengers to have darshan at the temple. "The railway has leased the train to the service provider for two years. There will be at least three trips a month."