BADAMI

प्रेस विज्ञप्ति/ Press Release No. 163  Dt: 14.07.2020

SHRI VIPUL KUMAR, IRSE HAS TAKEN OVER AS PRINCIPAL CHIEF ENGINEER, SOUTH WESTERN RAILWAY

Shri Vipul Kumar (IRSE) has taken over the charge as Principal Chief Engineer (PCE), South Western Railway o­n 03.07.2020 at Hubballi.

He is a Civil Engineering graduate from Delhi college of Engineering and was gold medalist from 1983 batch. He belongs to IRSE (Indian Railways Service of Engineers) batch of 1986. In his career with Indian Railways spanning over 32 years, he has worked in many important posts in Maintenance and Construction of Civil Engineering Department of Indian Railways. He worked in diverse posts dealing with Tracks, bridges and other infrastructure including rail/track design aspects.

Shri Kumar was deputed as international track expert for Uzbek Railways in 1999 and 2002 for designing   modern track structure for upgrading Tashkent-Samarkand route.

While working as CE/construction/SWR in 2007-08, he led his team to achieve linking of Bagalkot - Gadag Gauge Conversion and commissioning of said line up to Badami including completion of major bridge o­n Malprabha river near Holealur. Many infrastructure works including residential colony in Golf Link &GM’s residence at Hubballi were completed during his tenure.

Shri Kumar has been instrumental in designs of many track products for Indian Railways while working at RDSO (Research Designs and Standards Organization), Lucknow.

Some of these products include wider base Sleeper, Ballast less Track with low cost indigenous fastening system, improved toe load elastic clip and rail free fastening system for girder bridges.

                                                                                           Chief Public Relations Officer

                                                                              South Western Railway, Hubballi

IRCTC TAKES OVER THE REIGNS OF THE PRESTIGIOUS & LUXURY TRAIN ‘THE GOLDEN CHARIOT’

Train is all set to hit the tracks with newly refurbished interiors, better amenities and curated menu.

Photo Caption: The exterior as well as the interior view of the newly refurbished Golden Chariot train.

Having already carved a niche for itself in luxury train tourism, IRCTC, the travel, tourism and hospitality arm of Ministry of Railways has added another luxury train ‘Golden Chariot’ to its fleet. Owned by Karnataka State Tourism Development Corporation (KSTDC), the Golden Chariot train, which commenced operations in 2008, has been taken over by IRCTC for operation, management and marketing through a recently executed agreement between the two corporations. The Golden Chariot is now ready again to hit the tracks in a new vibrant look and feel o­n an exciting week long itinerary.

According to press release issued by Shri Ravinder Bhakar – Chief Public Relations Officer of Western Railway, IRCTC has undertaken the operations, management and marketing of this prestigious train in November, 2019 and has given a makeover befitting the taste of international train travel enthusiasts. To add to the guests’ comforts, the train now boasts of several new features including newly upholstered furniture, elegant drapery, renovated rooms and bathrooms, crockery and cutlery of reputed international brands and fresh linen. For providing wholesome in-room entertainment, Smart TVs with variety of wifi enabled subscriptions including Netflix, Amazon, Hotstar etc have been installed. CCTV Cameras and Fire Alarm System have been added for more safety. Experienced chefs have created menus presenting an eclectic mix of mouth watering international as well as domestic cuisine. The Package includes variety of cuisines and homemade beverages. The guests can continue to enjoy relaxing spa therapies at the o­nboard spa which has also been provided with modern workout machines for the fitness enthusiasts. The 6 Nights/7 Days itinerary shall commence from Yeshwantpur Railway Station in the morning followed by visit to Bandipur National Park, Mysore, Halebidu, Chikmangalur, Hampi, Badami – Pattadakal - Aihole, Goa before returning to Bengaluru.

The luxury train tour package cost is inclusive of all o­nboard meals and homemade beverages, guided excursions in air-conditioned buses, monument entry fee and meals at outside venues as per the itinerary. IRCTC has planned three trips of Golden Chariot –“Pride of Karnataka” with departures scheduled o­n 22^ndMarch, 29^th March and 12^th April 2020 in the present tourist season. The train is now all set to welcome and host tourists, under the pioneering initiative of IRCTC. While a lot has been changed, what has not changed is the warmth and pleasing demeanour of the staff, which shall strive to make this experience memorable for the guests. Also, as part of Government of India’s initiative to promote tourism within the country, urging citizens to visit at least 15 tourist destinations in the country, various incentive schemes for Indian Citizens have been announced o­n the Golden Chariot Luxury Tourist Train including Companion Offer, Pre or Post Hotel Accommodation Offer and many more.

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