IRCTC to get Navratna status soon: Suresh Angadi

The Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) has signed a memorandum of understanding with the Karnataka State Tourism Development Corporation (KSTDC) to market and operate Golden Chariot train. The luxurious Golden Chariot train will start plying from March next year.

New Delhi: As the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) has signed a memorandum of understanding with Karnataka State Tourism Development Corporation (KSTDC) to market and operate Golden Chariot train, Minister of State for Railways Suresh Angadi said that the IRCTC is soon going to have Navratna status.

The luxurious Golden Chariot train will start plying from March next year, Indian Railways said on Tuesday.

Addressing the gathering, Minister of State for Railways Suresh Angadi said that the train will boost tourism in Karnataka and other southern states. He also urged the IRCTC and the KSTDC to keep the rates of the Golden Chariot train competitive so that everyone can afford to travel.

He also said that the Golden Chariot aims to fulfill the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to connect 15 tourism destination in the country.

KSTDC will soon hand over the reins of the train to IRCTC and it is expected to carry out the internal refurbishment of the train. IRCTC is likely to commence the operations of this train from March 2020.

Signing of an MoU between IRCTC and KSTDC, on Tuesday.

The Golden Chariot is South India's only luxury train. Its services were, however, suspended by the Karnataka government temporarily on account of huge losses. It will be the second luxury train, after Maharaja Express, which will be operated and maintained by IRCTC.

The Golden Chariot, which started plying in 2008, began as a joint initiative of the Karnataka government and the Indian Railways. It is an 18-coach-long train with 44 guest rooms. At least, 84 passengers can enjoy 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 states. It also proposes to include Bandipur, Mysuru, Halebid, Chikmagalur, Hampi, Bijapur and Goa in its itinerary.

Since 2010, IRCTC already runs the ultra-luxurious Maharaja Express train. Similarly, while Rajasthan has the Palace On Wheels, Maharashtra has the Deccan Queen.