'Golden Chariot' to resume its operation in March 2020

Golden Chariot, the Karnataka Government's owned luxury tourist train, will resume its operation from March 2020.

Indian Railway and Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) and Karnataka State Tourism Development Corporation (KSTDC) signed MOU here on Tuesday.

As per the agreement, the IRCTC will market and operate the train for a period of 10 years. Both organisations will share revenue.

Begin with, itinerary of the train will include Bandipur, Mysuru, Halebidu, Chikkamagaluru, Hampi, Bijapur and Goa. Depending on the tourists response, the IRCTC will change the itinerary, Kumar Pushkar, Managing Director of KSTDC told reporters here.

The IRCTC will soon announce the tariff, but it will be around 50% less than earlier.

"Initially, we are planning to run two trips in a month with each 7-day. Depending on tourist response, we will increase the trip," he said.

"Since the railways has reduced the haulage charges by 50% from its earlier charges, this time we are hoping to make profit in the operation," Pushkar said.

The 18 coaches train with 44 guest rooms having capacity of 84 guests.

The train will have two restaurants, one kitchen, one coach each for bar lounge, business centre, mini gym and an ayurvedic spa.

Golden Chariot, which started its operation in 2008 aiming to cater to the tourists on the model of Maharaja's Express in Rajasthan, was off the track since 2018 due to poor occupancy.

Minister of State for Railways C T Ravi and Karnataka Tourism Minister C V Ravi were present during the event.