KSTDC to relaunch luxury express Golden Chariot

The Karnataka State Tourism Development Corporation (KSTDC) is all set to relaunch the state’s own luxury express, Golden Chariot.

The KSTDC has called for fresh tenders for its hospitality and marketing partners.

The tenders will close this month end and by mid-October the new partners will be finalised. The Karnataka State Tourism Development Corporation’s contract with Maple Group of Hotels ended early this year.

“The new company will have to take care of hospitality, marketing, ticket sale and promotions at domestic and international platforms. The interiors of the train would also be redone by the new company, while the basic concept of the train will remain the same (the number of coaches, bar and restaurant, gymnasium and spa).”

“So one can say that the train will be relaunched soon. Thus it is likely that the train might not run this tourism season (October to February), but will have to operate from September, 2019,” said a KSTDC official. It is also likely that the ticket fare would come down and the number of trips will increase as the haulage charges with the Indian railways have been revised.

The new company will have to ensure that a minimum of 15 trips are maintained and there is an increase in the number of trips every year.