KARNA

                                                                 SOUTH WESTERN RAILWAY

                                      Press Release No. 307  Dt. 03.12.2019

GOLDEN CHARIOT TRAINS TO CHUG SOON IN

 KARNATAKA

South Western Railway and Government of Karnataka State Tourism Corporation (KSTDC) have signed the agreement for operation of Golden Chariot Train o­n 03.12.2019 (Tuesday) in presence of Shri Ajay Kumar Singh, General Manager, SWR and Shri Shiv Raj Singh, Principal Chief Commercial Manager, SWR.  o­n behalf of SWR, Shri N Hari Kumar, Dy. Chief Commercial manager and o­n behalf of KSTDC, Dr. Nagaraj, KAS, GM, have signed the agreement.

Karnataka State Tourism Development Corporation (KSTDC) has signed the agreement with Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) for management of ‘On-Board’ services of the Golden Chariot. The operation of Golden chariot Trains is likely to be commenced from March, 2020. The new itineraries shall be a mix of history, culture, wildlife and nature. These trains are connecting the Cultural Heritage of Karnataka to the tourists.

The first circuit of Golden Chariot Train will operate from Yesvantpur (YPR) – Vasco-Da-Gama (VSG) via Mysuru, Shravanabelagola, Hosapete, Badami, 7 nights and 8 days in which it covers Heritage city of Mysuru, backwaters of Kabini river, Ancient glory of Halebidu&Beluru, Krishnadevaraya Kingdoms, Badami Caves, Aihole and Pattadakal, apart from natural beauty of Goa spectacular temples and churches.

The Second circuit will operate from Yesvantpur (YPR) – Tiruvananthapuram (TVC), 7 nights and 8 days in which it covers Chennai, Mahabalipuram, Puducherry, Thanjavur, Madurai, Kanyakumari, Poovar Beach, Kochi &Tiruvananthapuram covering spectacular old glory of temples, churches and natural beauty of beaches in Kerala including luxury house Boat.

Sri Suresh Angadi, Hon’ble Minister of state for Railways was instrumental to recommence of operation of Golden Chariot with shortest possible time.

In Nov 2019 Indian Railway Catering & Tourism Corporation Limited (IRCTC), tourism arm of Indian Railways, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Karnataka State Tourism Development Corporation (KSTDC) to market and operate the Golden Chariot Train in New Delhi o­n 19.11.2019 in the august presence of Minister of State of Railways, Shri Suresh C Angadi, and Minister of Tourism, Government of Karnataka, Shri C. T. Ravi. Chairman, Railway Board, Shri Vinod Kumar Yadav, other Railway Board Members, Officials from IRCTC & KSTDC were also present o­n the occasion.

Karnataka State Tourism Development Corporation (KSTDC) will soon hand over the reins of the train to Indian Railway. IRCTC an arm of Indian Railway is planning a revamp of the train itineraries also to add different flavors that Karnataka has to offer. IRCTC is expected to carry out internal refurbishment of the train and commence operations from March 2020.

Minister of State of Railways, Shri Suresh C. Angadi has o­n the occasion said that this MoU is an important step towards the Hon’ble Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi’s vision to promote tourism in India and his clarion call to the countrymen to visit at least fifteen tourism spots in the country. Shri Angadi already directed the IRCTC and KSDTC to keep the price of the tickets competitive so that the common people can also avail the facility of this train. Shri Angadi added that this train will boost the tourism in Southern India. The Golden Chariot showcases the rich culture and heritage of the region. He said that MoU between Indian Railways& KSTDC will have mutual benefits for both the organizations and tourism will be strengthened through this partnership.

Shri Ajay Kumar Singh, GM/SWR has expressed confidence that IRCTC and KSTDC will successfully operate and market the Golden Chariot for domestic and international tourists. He assured all cooperation and necessary support to this project.

The Golden Chariot train which commenced operations in 2008 is a Government of Karnataka initiative in a Joint Venture with Ministry of Railways, Government of India. The 18 coach long train with 44 guest rooms has a capacity of 84 guests, covers tourist attractions in the state of Karnataka and other south Indian states.

IRCTC, has the experience and expertise in operating wide ranging rail tourism products across the length of breadth of the country. It also operates the hugely popular Maharajas’ Express luxury train, which commenced operations in 2010.

                                                      (E. Vijaya)

                                                         Chief Public Relations Office

                                                                 SOUTH WESTERN RAILWAY

                                      Press Release No. 283   Dt. 13.11.2019

For the kind attention of all Rail users.

            Whilst wishing you all a happy & pleasant rail journey, it is to inform that a RAIL HERITAGE MUSEUM is being set up besides second entry of Hubballi Railway Station and opposite to Central Railway Hospital, Gadag Road, Hubballi-20.

            For bringing glory to the proposed Rail Museum, narrow gauge Railway Rolling Stocks, from different Railways are being installed and work is moving at rapid pace.

            It is proposed to collect photographs of Rail related activities dating back to 19^th and early 20^th century, so that all old memories of Rail Journey can be part of photo gallery in the proposed Rail Heritage Museum.

            Travelling public are requested to contribute from their treasure trove, old photographs covering rail monuments, Railway station facade, letter correspondence/acknowledgment with Railways, old Railway tickets, Railway Money Receipts, old newspaper advertisements and tender notifications etc. issued by Railway.  

            In the same way, retired Railway Staff/Officers, are also hereby requested to contribute their old privilege pass, duty pass, service certificate, appreciation letters issued by Railway administration, if any available with them.   In addition to these any item related to Railway of antique nature available may please be contributed for using as exhibits in Heritage Railway Museum.

            Your immense contribution in strengthening the Rail Heritage Museum will have a long-lasting value in patronizing the preservation of invaluable Heritage. Your contribution of heritage items will be acknowledged and appreciated by Railways. We request you to help us in recreating the magic of nostalgia in setting up first Heritage Railway museum of its kind in Karnataka.

            For contribution in the above activities, you may please contact  Shri Prekash Kumar Secretary/Public Grievance/HQ, Mobile No.9731666907, e-mail ID dgmswr@gmail.com --

            Awaiting your precious response.

                                                      (E. Vijaya)

                                                         Chief Public Relations Office