Indian Railways Catering and Tourism Corporation Limited (IRCTC) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Karnataka State Tourism Development Corporation (KSTDC) to market and operate the Golden Chariot train.
Signed in the presence of Minister of State of Railways, Suresh C Angadi, and the Karnataka Tourism Minister CT Ravi, the state government is to market and operate the only luxury train in South India, with revamped schedules, tariffs and brand new offers. Railway Board Chairman Vinod Kumar Yadav expressed his confidence that IRCTC and the KSTDC would successfully operate and market the same at the event.
The Golden Chariot is all set to chug again! This time in a new 'avatar', under operation of @IRCTCofficial. The ever so beautiful State of Karnataka would thrill nature lovers like never before.
MoU between @IRCTCofficial & @kstdc being signed tomorrow.#GoldenChariot pic.twitter.com/kIrqNLZJQN
— Suresh Angadi (@SureshAngadi_) November 18, 2019
With IRCTC to refurbish KSTDC’s Golden Chariot train and restarting its operations from March 2020, the 18 coach luxury train will have 44 guest rooms accommodating about 84 guest covering tourist attractions across Karnataka and Goa. each cabin equipped with various features including small wardrobe, vanity desk, LCD TV, electric sockets for recharging batteries, private washroom, etc., the Golden Chariot train is said to cover many prominent tourist attractions with a mix of culture, history, nature and wildlife.
The agreement between KSTDC and IRCTC built on a revenue-sharing basis, is for a period of 10 years, with KSTDC focusing on the work on the train, while operation including interiors and marketing will be handled by IRCTC. The MoU is an important step towards Honourable Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision to promote tourism in India and his clarion call to the countrymen to visit at least fifteen tourist spots in the country.
Capturing a golden moment in the frame. Here are a few glimpses from the signing of Agreement Signing Ceremony between @IRCTCofficial & @kstdc for the operation & management of The Golden Chariot Luxury train.@GoldenChariotIR pic.twitter.com/UXbaWz99rv
— IRCTC (@IRCTCofficial) November 19, 2019
Addressing the gathering, Karnataka Tourism Minister CT Ravi, further added on “Ensure that no train makes losses. Don’t keep high fares, have competitive rates. Sit together and resolve any difference (that may) arise between IRCTC and KSTDC” calling on for a working synergy between the two ministries.
