IRCTC signs MoU with KSTDC for marketing and operating the Golden Chariot train

Thursday, November 21, 2019

Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation Limited (IRCTC), a tourism arm of Indian Railways, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Karnataka State Tourism Development Corporation (KSTDC) for marketing and operating the Golden Chariot train.

The agreement was signed in the presence of Minister of State of Railways, Suresh C Angadi, and Karnataka Tourism Minister C T Ravi, Chairman Railway Board Vinod Kumar Yadav among others.

As per an official release, “Karnataka State Tourism Development Corporation (KSTDC) will soon hand over the reins of the train to IRCTC. IRCTC is planning a revamp of the train itineraries also to add different flavours that Karnataka has to offer. The new itineraries shall be a mix of history, culture, wildlife and nature.”

Bandipur, Mysore, Halebid, Chikmagalur, Hampi, Bijapur and Goa are proposed to be included in the itinerary.

IRCTC is expected to carry out an internal refurbishment of the train and start operations from March 2020.

The Golden Chariot train which started its operations in 2008 is a Government of Karnataka initiative and a joint venture with the Ministry of Railways.

The 18 coach long train with 44 guest rooms with a capacity of 84 guests, covers tourist attractions in Karnataka and other south Indian states.

Angadi directed the IRCTC and KSDTC to keep the price of the tickets competitive so that the common people can also avail the facilities of this train. “This train will boost the tourism in Southern India,” Angadi said.

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