Heritage train to chug off in Karnataka next year

Bangalore, Nov 17 (UNI) The ambitious heritage train of Karnataka, on the lines of the Palace on Wheels, will steam off next year with the special coaches under construction at the Integral Coach Factory in Chennai.

State Secretary for Tourism I M Vittalamurthy told newsmen here today that the Rs 32 crore project was being shared equally by the Centre and the State governments. The heritage express would offer a luxurious and enriching experience. It would chug along the glorious heritage circuit comprising Mysore, Belur, Halebid, Shravanabelagola, Hampi, Badami, Aihole and Pattadakkal. The interiors would be inspired by the Mysore Palace, stone temples of Belur and the great Vijayanagara architecture of Hampi.

The Tourism department would shortly release the expression of interest to woo hospitality partners for the project, he said, adding that the first coach would be ready by February next year and the balance by the end of February.

He said the government has also decentralised funds upto Rs one crore to district authorities to take up infrastructure improvement to important tourist destinations. Initially, Rs four crore would be provided, he said, adding that Rs 2.65 crore would be released to 19 districts. The balance would be released in a couple of days.

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