Golden Chariot to be back on tracks after a gap of two years

The Golden Chariot will be back on the tracks from March after a gap of two years. As per the IRCTC and Karnataka State Tourism Development Corporation (KSTDC), the luxury train will start chugging from March 22.

Launched in 2008 by the KSTDC, Golden Chariot has to curtail its operations due to the lack of patronage in the recent years. However, the IRCTC has now stepped in to support and lend a helping hand. General Manager, IRCTC- South Zone, SS Jagannathan, referring to this development said that the operation and revival of the train is part of a 10-year agreement with the Karnataka Government.
As per the latest reports, the Golden Chariot will start its fresh journey on March 22 from the Yeshwantpur Railway Station. This time, the package has been christened Pride of Karnataka, and will take travellers along a scenic route from Bengaluru to Mysuru, Chikmagalur, Hampi and to Goa before returning. What is interesting is that there is a 50 per cent discount on booking if you are travelling with a companion. Reports suggest that the luxury train will make the same journey on March 29 and April 12.
Jagannathan also added that the IRCTC is planning to re-open tourist operations in Ladakh and Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh this summer. He added that it is expected that the current situation will be resolved by then, and with the railway’s vast network, it is more likely that more state governments will be tying up with IRCTC to boost tourism. He mentioned that Kerala Tourism has offered IRCTC their properties in Munnar, Guruvayoor, Thekkady and Wayanad, and that IRCTC and Kerala Tourism will be jointly offering tourism packages to these places.