Odisha to launch luxury train service

Aiming to boost tourism in the state, Odisha Government is planning to launch a luxury train service in line with “Palace on Wheels.” The announcement came after a discussion between the Odisha Chief Secretary A P Padhi and Sanjiv Garg, additional member of the Railways (Tourism and Catering),  on June 28.

“The railways had a word with the state government to introduce luxury trains in lines with the Palace on Wheels. Some states in the country have already started operating such luxury trains,” said Padhi.

The proposed train will mainly aim at foreign tourists and local tourists who can afford the luxury. The project is planning to be a joint venture of Indian Railways and the Odisha Tourism Development Corporation (OTDC).

The states of Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Goa, Kerala, Uttar Pradesh and Assam already have luxury trains in service.

A feasibility study will be conducted, prior to making a decision in this regards. The study will cover all aspects like infrastructure facilities, economy, administration, business and management.