States » SouthPosted at: Oct 24 2026 7:48PM


Golden Chariot to offer off-season discounts to make luxury tourism accessible: CM

Bengaluru, Oct 24 (UNI) Karnataka is considering lower fares for the luxury Golden Chariot tourist train during the off-season to enable more people, including ordinary residents of the state, to experience its heritage, cultural and natural attractions, Chief Minister DK Shivakumar said on Saturday.
Speaking to the media after visiting the Golden Chariot at Majestic and Kengeri railway stations, he said the initiative was aimed at promoting tourism, creating employment and stimulating 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.
Shivakumar said the government was not looking at the Golden Chariot primarily as a profit-making venture, but stressed that its operations should not incur losses. He sought public support to ensure the train's sustainable operation.
The state government had revamped and relaunched the prestigious tourist train after it remained underutilised, he said, crediting Tourism Minister KJ George with efforts to revive the initiative and introduce new routes and upgraded luxury facilities.
The train was currently carrying 75 passengers, he said.
Emphasising the need to widen access, Shivakumar said luxury tourism should not remain the preserve of affluent travellers or visitors from outside Karnataka. The government was exploring reduced fares during the off-season so that local residents could also experience the train.
The Golden Chariot offers two restaurants with seating for around 80 passengers, along with nearly 60 staff members to serve travellers. Facilities include a spa, gym, vegetarian and non-vegetarian dining options, and arrangements for overnight accommodation.
Describing the train as an asset to Karnataka's tourism sector, the Chief Minister said its revival and the introduction of routes covering attractive destinations would help strengthen the state's tourism infrastructure.
The service is being developed in collaboration with the Karnataka Tourism Department, Indian Railways and IRCTC. Apart from attracting tourists, it is expected to support local economic activities, including hotels and other businesses in tourism centres, he said.
Shivakumar said a route connecting 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 to be announced shortly.
On expanding the Golden Chariot's routes, he said the state government would consult railway officials to ensure that any extension did not disrupt 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 Railways MoS V Somanna's absence 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 a crisis affecting travellers, Shivakumar said he had written to the union Government and was in touch with the External Affairs Minister regarding assistance.
He said he had sought arrangements for flights and security, if required, but noted that technical issues were affecting flight operations.
A helpline had been established for Kannadigas, he said, urging people not to panic and assuring them that the state government, the Minorities Department and the union Government were in contact with those affected.
UNI BDN
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