Golden Chariot to offer off-season discounts to make luxury tourism affordable: Shivakumar

Bengaluru, Oct 24 : Karnataka is considering offering discounted fares for the luxury Golden Chariot tourist train during the off-season to make luxury travel accessible to more people, including residents of the state, Chief Minister D K Shivakumar said on Saturday.

Speaking to the media after visiting the Golden Chariot at Majestic and Kengeri railway stations, Shivakumar said the initiative was aimed at promoting tourism, generating employment and boosting economic activity around tourist destinations.

"Karnataka is rich in natural resources and heritage sites. Our government has taken a revolutionary step in the tourism sector to showcase destinations such as Hampi, Belur, the Malnad region, Mysuru, the coastal belt and Kodagu, besides introducing new tourist spots," he said.

The Chief Minister said the government did not view the Golden Chariot primarily as a profit-making venture, but emphasised that its operations should not run at a loss. He appealed to the public to support the sustainable operation of the prestigious tourist train.

The state government had revamped and relaunched the luxury train after it remained underutilised, Shivakumar said, crediting Tourism Minister K J George for his efforts to revive the initiative, introduce new routes and upgrade luxury facilities.

The train was currently carrying 75 passengers, he said.

Emphasising the need to make luxury tourism more inclusive, Shivakumar said such experiences should not remain limited to affluent travellers or tourists from outside Karnataka. The government was exploring reduced fares during the off-season to enable local residents to experience the Golden Chariot.

The train has two restaurants with seating capacity for around 80 passengers and nearly 60 staff members to cater to travellers. Its facilities include a spa, gym, vegetarian and non-vegetarian dining options and overnight accommodation.

Describing the Golden Chariot as an important asset to Karnataka's tourism sector, the Chief Minister said its revival and the introduction of routes covering attractive destinations would strengthen the state's tourism infrastructure.

The service is being developed in collaboration with the Karnataka Tourism Department, Indian Railways and IRCTC. Besides attracting tourists, it is expected to generate economic opportunities for hotels and other businesses in tourism centres, he added.

Shivakumar said a route covering prominent destinations such as Hampi, Mahabalipuram, Mysuru, Bengaluru, Kochi and Chettinad had been planned under the proposed 'Jewels of the South' circuit.

A four-day package titled 'Dreams of Karnataka' was also ready, with further details expected to be announced shortly.

On the proposed expansion of the Golden Chariot's routes, he said the state government would consult railway officials to ensure that extensions did not affect regular passenger train services.

The Chief Minister extended his best wishes to passengers travelling on the service and thanked railway officials for their cooperation.

Asked about the absence of Union Minister of State for Railways V Somanna from the event, Shivakumar said invitations had been extended to everyone and that Somanna would participate through video conference.

On reports of Kannadigas being stranded in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, amid disruptions caused by the ongoing crisis in West Asia, Shivakumar said he had written to the Union Government and was in touch with the External Affairs Minister to seek assistance.

He said he had requested arrangements for flights and security, if necessary, but noted that technical issues were affecting flight operations.

A helpline had been established for Kannadigas, he said, urging people not to panic. He assured that the state government, the Minorities Department and the Union Government were in touch with those affected.