Lalu's gravy train takes a spiritual turn

NEW DELHI: It’s poor man’s Palace on Wheels. Railways Minister Lalu Prasad has decided to launch "Spirituality Express" which will soon criss-cross the country''s pilgrim spots and heritage sites at economy-class fares.
Part of the "Village on Wheels" project which Lalu is launching as a counter to the exorbitantly priced "Palace on Wheels", these trains will provide boarding and lodging facilities to the tourists at sleeper-class fares.Pilgrims can spend the night on board the train and use the day to make their darshan at the temples and monuments.
The fares will be tailored to suit the ordinary man''s pocket. "The Railway Board is working on a circular fare structure which means the longer a passenger travels, the less he will have to pay. This is because the minister wants these trains to cater to the poorer sections of society," a senior official of the Railway board told Timesofindia.com.
The minister, who has tried to woo the rural electorate with kulhars, khadi linen and serving matthi and lassi in lieu of tea and coffee on trains, has apparently instructed his officers to give 50 per cent discount to senior citizens who want to go on pilgrimages. Apart from paying for the ticket, these passengers will have to pay a minimal additional charge for "hospitality" on the trains.
The IRCTC has already called for tenders from private parties interested in providing hospitality on the "spiritual trains".
So when can one actually get to travel on Lalu''s Village on Wheels? The trains are likely to roll out in a month''s time from Mumbai, Vizag and some stations of er... Bihar. The schedule will be determined by the board and then thrown open to bookings from the public. So what if PadmashreeLalu Prasad Yadav doesn''t take off? Spiritual trains might just do the trick!