Indian Railways are planning to run the luxurious Golden Chariot trains once again for tourist destinations in Karnataka, Kerala, Puducherry, and other South Indian states. The train will roll on tracks from March next year and it will be a major tourism boost for Karnataka.
The Golden Chariot train will run from March next year
The Golden Chariot train is the only luxurious train that operates in South India, especially Karnataka. Previously the state had halted the services because of huge losses. IRCTC on Tuesday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Karnataka State Tourism Development Corporation (KSTDC) to business and operate the Golden Chariot train once again.
The MoU was signed in the attendance of Minister of State of Railways, Suresh C Angadi, and Karnataka Tourism Minister C T Ravi, Chairman Railway Board Vinod Kumar Yadav amongst others.
“Karnataka State Tourism Development Corporation (KSTDC) will soon hand over the lines of the train to IRCTC. It is planning a renovate the train routes also to add different characteristics that Karnataka has to offer. The new routes shall be a mix of history, culture, wildlife, and nature,” an official report said.
A boost to Karnataka tourism
The luxurious train will start operating from March next year, Indian Railways said on Tuesday. Suresh Angadi, Minister of State for Railways said, “ The Golden Chariot train will boost tourism in Karnataka and other southern states. I will request the IRCTC and the KSTDC to keep the price of the tickets competitive so that the common people can also avail the facility of this train.”
He also said that the Golden Chariot strives to fulfill the concept of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to connect 15 tourism destinations in the country.
The Golden Chariot train is an 18-coach-long train with 44 guest rooms. At least, 84 passengers can experience the train ride at one time. Once the services begin from March next year, the Golden Chariot will cover tourist destinations in Karnataka, Kerala, Puducherry, and other south Indian regions. It also aims to include Bandipur, Mysuru, Halebid, Chikmagalur, Hampi, Bijapur and Goa in its route.
