This story is from March 27, 2017

Karnataka to revive derailed chariot by making it affordable

Karnataka to revive derailed chariot by making it affordable
Golden Chariot luxury train.
BENGALURU: The tourism department is all set to revive the Golden Chariot luxury train by making it more affordable for the middle class.
Responding to a question raised by JD(S) MLC Kanthraju on the various initiatives taken by the tourism department for increasing tourism activities in the state, minister Priyank Kharge said one of the avenues being explored by the department was to make the Golden Chariot more affordable.

"The department is looking to introduce weekend packages at an affordable rate for more people to take the chariot," he said.
Later, expanding on the proposal outside the house, Kharge said the department was looking at rates between Rs 30,000 to Rs 35,000 per person.
He said the department is looking at two routes for the weekend hauls, including one towards Hampi.
The trains will leave Bengaluru on Friday night and come back on Sunday late night or Monday morning.
"If you consider the rates at any three or four star hotel, a person will pay anywhere between Rs 8,000 to Rs 9,000 just for the stay. We are offering two days and three nights, inclusive of accomodation and meals three times a day, at the said price,” said the minister.

Kharge said, more than the pricing, it is the experience which the department will be selling to the middle and upper middle class.
Apart from making it affordable, the department is also going to open the Golden Chariot for Corporate retreats and wedding plans.
"We are also exploring possibilities of corporates and company retreats on the Chariot, with companies who want to take their teams for a offshore team meeting or a break from hectic work schedule," said the minister.
On the wedding plans, Kharge said the department is trying to tie-up with wedding planners who cater to destination weddings or even wedding on the Chariot.
"The largescale advertising and use of travel bloggers have greatly assisted in selling the Chariot outside the country. We intend to now concentrate within the nation as well with our business model," said the minsiter.
At present, the Chariot caters to High Networth Individuals (HNI) with rates at Rs 1.82 lakh per person for 7 nights.
Kharge said the Chariot has been making good on its occupancy, despite running in loss, with as many as 53 people of the 73-74 people it can carry on their last run.
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About the Author
Sandeep Moudgal

Journalist by profession, 15 years in the field with Politics and Policy as forte. He is an Assistant Editor with Bengaluru bureau and Karnataka as his jurisdiction. Has a Masters degree in Ancient History and Archaeology from Mysore University along with a PGDJ from the Asian College of Journalism.

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