Earlier, it was decided to run this train from November 1 this year to commemorate the golden jubilee year of the State. Now, once again the schedule has been changed. “We will run it sometime in the first week of November as  all the prominent dignitaries of the state would not be free on that particular day,” said the Tourism Secretary and Chairman of KSTDC I M Vittalmurthy, on Monday.
As the name suggests, this Golden-Chariot, developed with an investment of Rs 40 crore, is for the creamy layer. “The seven-day tour package will cost at least $ 300 per day for each passenger. In one week it would reach around $ 2100,” said Vittalmurthy.
In Indian terms, the trip may cost at least Rs 1.05 lakhs for each person but as the rate has been fixed in dollar terms, the cost of the trip would be fluctuating for the Indians. “We will charge them as per the exchange rate of currencies on the day the ticket is booked,”  Mr Vittalmurthy said. The train with 19 coaches altogether has 11 passenger coaches, 1 conference coach, 2 dining restaurant cars, 1 launge bar and 1 spa and gym. The train has 26 twin beds, 17 double bed cabins as well as 1 cabin for the physically challenged person, an LCD TV in every cabin with a 6 channel DVD station and 6 satellite channel. The interiors of the train are inspired by Hampi and Halebidu. At least, in this train liquor will not be restricted as there will be a bar inside to quench the thirst.
The train will start its journey from Bangalore and take the tourists to Mysore, Kabini, Hassan, Hospet, Goa and then it will return to Bangalore on the seventh day.
Mr Vittalmurthy informed media persons that this train will run only if there are 88 passengers. He claimed that 88 passengers would easily come every week to travel in this train. Booking a ticket is not a tough task as it could be done on-line. “We are not highly ambitious as we are targeting an annual return of 8.9 per cent but surely we will participate in all international tourism mart to sell our tourism potential, powered by Golden Chariot,” said Vittalmurthy.
Talking further about the train he said, “Journey through Golden Chariot is nothing but a travel through history and culture of Karnataka where we are showcasing Karnataka.”