Move of offering the luxury train on lease is aimed at generating more revenue. From Oct to March, it will make four trips per month.
The Karnataka State Tourism Development Corporation (KSTDC) is planning to introduce a charter service of Golden Chariot train to generate more revenue from the project which has become a white elephant. Tourism minister BS Anand Singh said it may cost `35 lakh per tour to hire the luxury train.
The minister said: “Around 80 tourists can travel in the train per tour. By introducing the charter service, private individuals or organisations can have their tours. All the facilities would be provided by KSTDC.”
Golden Chariot trains are operated in various routes in the state and neighboring states connecting heritage sites and tourism spots such as Belur, Halebidu, Hampi and Goa.
Anand Singh said the charter service will be introduced to popularise the service. “KSDTC is yet work on modalities on the charter service. Golden Chariot will continue to have regular trips as per existing schedules. From October to March there will be four trips in each month,” he said.
Anand Singh said the railway ministry, which is facilitating Golden Chariot operations, reduced the charge for using its infrastructure. “Earlier it was charging `36 lakh for per tour. Now it has been reduced to around `24 lakh. The railway ministry’s decision has given us a respite.”
Miscreants nabbed
Anand Singh said four men who pulled down the ancient Gali Gopura in Hampi world heritage site were nabbed by the police. The minister said among the arrested are those from Anegundi and Gangavathi. “The police are asked to file a criminal case against the arrested for damaging the monument. Though the police are deployed at the world heritage site, keeping vigil on each monument is almost impossible,” he said.
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