Karnataka: Golden Chariot to return in March with new routes

BENGALURU: Golden Chariot, the only luxury train in South India, will be back on track next March and it will be operated by Indian Railway Catering & Tourism Corporation Limited (IRCTC), a tourism arm of Indian Railways.
Karnataka State Tourism Development Corporation (KSTDC) was operating the train, but it suspended operations last year owing to heavy losses.It had decided to undertake maintenance and refurbishment work.
KSTDC will soon hand over reins of the train to IRCTC. “IRCTC is planning a revamp of the train’s itineraries to add different flavours that Karnataka has to offer. The new schedule will be a mix of history, culture, wildlife and nature.
It is proposed to include Bandipur, Mysuru, Halebidu, Chikkamagaluru, Hampi, Vijayapura and Goa in the itinerary. IRCTC is expected to carry out internal refurbishment of the train and commence operations from March 2020,” read a statement from Press Information Bureau on Tuesday.
Speaking on the occasion at New Delhi, Union minister of state of railways Suresh Angadi said the MoU was an important step towards the Prime Minister’s vision to promote tourism in India and his clarion call to countrymen to visit at least 15 tourist spots in the country.
He also directed IRCTC and KSDTC to keep ticket prices competitive so that common people can avail the train’s facility.
Tourism minister CT Ravi said the state government and KSTDC have been operating and maintaining Golden Chariot since its inception in 2008. “Golden Chariot showcases the region’s rich culture and heritage,” he said.
The train is a joint venture between Karnataka and the ministry of railways.