CM Fadnavis flags off the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Circuit Bharat Gaurav train, launching a five-day heritage tour covering historic forts and cultural sites across Maharashtra. The initiative promotes Shivaji Maharaj’s legacy and cultural tourism, offering youth a meaningful journey through India’s rich historical background.
To revive the legacy of one of India’s most revered historical figures, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Monday flagged off the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Circuit Bharat Gaurav train from Mumbai. This initiative is part of the Indian Railways’ Gaurav Yatra and marks a major step in using transportation as a medium to preserve and promote cultural heritage. The launch of the train also coincides with the 351st anniversary of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s coronation, adding a deep sense of historical importance to the event.
Speaking at the flag-off ceremony, CM Fadnavis emphasized the background and inspiration behind the circuit. “This is more than just a journey — it is a mission to keep alive the history of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and our struggle for independence. Today, over seven hundred passengers are embarking on this special journey, with 80 per cent of them under the age of forty. This reflects the growing interest among youth in understanding and connecting with our rich past,” he stated.
The Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Circuit Train offers a five-day tour of historically significant sites linked to the Maratha warrior king. As part of the itinerary, the train will halt at key locations such as Raigad Fort, where Shivaji was crowned; Shivneri Fort, his birthplace; and Lal Mahal in Pune, where he spent his early years. Other stops include Shivsrushti, Kasba Ganapati, Pratapgad Fort, Mahalaxmi Temple in Kolhapur, Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga, and Panhala Fort — each representing a crucial chapter in the background of Maharashtra’s cultural and military history.
The inaugural journey was marked with great enthusiasm. Passengers were greeted with traditional Maharashtrian folk music featuring drums and cymbals as part of the welcome ceremony organized by the Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC). Throughout the journey, MTDC officials, in partnership with AirCTC, will assist and guide the tourists, ensuring a seamless and enriching experience. The tour is not just a sightseeing activity but also includes history-based educational programs and guided sessions, making it an immersive historical journey.
“Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj was a visionary leader who established Swarajya by resisting Mughal and foreign invaders. This yatra is a tribute to his leadership, valor, and enduring impact on Indian history,” said CM Fadnavis. He also noted that the train’s arrival at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus in Mumbai would be celebrated as a grand spectacle showcasing the essence of Maharashtra’s vibrant cultural legacy.
The event was attended by several dignitaries including Assembly Speaker Rahul Narvekar, Cultural Affairs Minister Ashish Shelar, Cultural Department Secretary Vikas Kharge, Tourism Principal Secretary Atul Patne, and MD of MTDC Manoj Kumar Suryavanshi, among others. Their presence underlined the importance the government places on preserving and promoting historical consciousness, particularly among the younger generations.
As the Gaurav Yatra makes its way through forts, temples, and heritage sites, it offers a unique platform for tourists to walk through history, feel the stories carved into the stones of ancient structures, and relive the saga of a leader who unified a people under the banner of Swarajya. The launch of the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Circuit Bharat Gaurav train not only honors the great Maratha king but also sets a precedent for how tourism can be interwoven with historical education and national pride.
The initiative also aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of promoting cultural tourism and showcasing India’s rich heritage to the world. As Maharashtra takes this pioneering step, it reinforces the role of the Indian Railways as a carrier of not just people, but of legacies, values, and cultural stories that define the soul of the nation.
