KTDC-Railways pact to boost tourism

By Our Staff Reporter

KOLLAM, OCT. 20. In a development which is expected to boost the tourism potential of the State, the Kerala Tourism Development Corporation (KTDC) and the Indian Railways have reached an agreement to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).

The MoU, which would be signed by early next month in New Delhi, is the outcome of a series of talks in this connection between the Union Minister of State for Railways, Mr. O. Rajagopal, and the Tourism Minister, Prof. K.V. Thomas.

The intention behind the MoU is to go hand in hand with the Railways for promoting tourism in Kerala on the lines of a similar understanding between the Railways and the Rajasthan Government.

Mr. Rajagopal told The Hindu that it would be a joint venture project and the terms and conditions had already been finalised.

Once signed, the Railways would participate in mobilising both domestic and foreign tourists from different parts of the country to the State and this would be the first such venture of the Railways for Kerala.

Mr. Rajagopal, on whose initiative the understanding was worked out, said that within two months of signing the MoU, the project would materialise. He said that the Railways was entering the venture after fully understanding the vast tourism potential of the State and realising the need to make positive contributions in tapping the potential.

To begin with, it would be just a single plush coach attached to a train which could originate either from Delhi or Mumbai. The interior of the coach would be designed to present a typically Kerala atmosphere. During the journey, the food served for those travelling in this coach would also be Kerala cuisine.

On entering Kerala, the coach would be detached at a designated station, and from there, the KTDC would take over the tour.

The tourists can then travel and enjoy the State by road in KTDC coaches. After completing the Kerala tour, they return to the rail coach which would again be attached to a train to take them back.

Mr. Rajagopal said that as a second phase of this venture, the Railways intended to introduce Ayurveda coaches. In such coaches, the tourists could experience some of the aspects of Ayurveda which would include the traditional Ayurveda massages.

He also said that the Railways were entering the venture as part of the thrust the Railways intends to give to the State. Within the next couple of years, he said the Railways would be implementing major projects in the State.

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