New Delhi (NVI): Indian Railway Catering & Tourism Corporation Limited (IRCTC), the tourism arm of Indian Railways, today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Karnataka State Tourism Development Corporation (KSTDC), to market and operate the Golden Chariot Train here.
The Karnataka State Tourism Development Corporation (KSTDC) will soon hand over the reins of the train to IRCTC, an official statement said.
IRCTC also is planning a revamp of the train itineraries to add different flavours that Karnataka has to offer. The new itineraries shall be a mix of history, culture, wildlife and nature.
It is proposed to include Bandipur, Mysore, Halebid, Chikmagalur, Hampi, Bijapur and Goa in the itinerary. IRCTC is expected to carry out internal refurbishment of the train and commence operations from March 2020.
The Golden Chariot train which commenced operations in 2008, is a Karnataka government’s initiative in a Joint Venture with Railway Ministry. The 18 coach-long train with 44 guest rooms having a capacity of 84 guests, covers tourist attractions in the Karnataka and other south Indian states.
IRCTC, has the experience and expertise in operating wide ranging rail tourism products across the length of breadth of the country. It also operates the hugely popular Maharajas’ Express luxury train, which commenced operations in 2010.
Minister of State of Railways, Suresh C Angadi, Tourism Minister of Karnataka C T Ravi and Chairman, Railway Board, Vinod Kumar Yadav were also present.
