Date:24/01/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/01/24/stories/2008012454480600.htm

Tamil Nadu

KSTDC’s ‘Golden Chariot’ flagged off

Special Correspondent

CHENNAI: As a prelude to the launch of a special tourist train by the Karnataka State Tourism Development Corporation (KSTDC) on March 3, the Integral Coach Factory (ICF) flagged off the ‘Golden Chariot’ on Wednesday.

Rs. 50 crore cost

Manufactured at a cost of Rs. 50 crore, the Golden Chariot consists of 11 cabin cars (10 tourists each), 2 restaurant cars, a bar-cum-conference hall, a gym car for the tourists, a staff car and 2 power cars.

According to an ICF press release, these coaches have been aesthetically designed to suit the four heritage sites of Karnataka — Belur, Halebid, Hampi and Mysore. Manufacturing of the above special train commenced in May 2007 and was completed recently.