Punjab to introduce Palace on Wheels luxury train

New Delhi, Nov 23 (UNI) Charmed by the spectacular success of the Palace on Wheels in Rajasthan, the Punjab government has decided to introduce a similar luxury train that will meander through the historical places of the state.

This was disclosed by Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation LTD (IRCTC) Managing Director P K Goyal at a press conference here today.

''The IRCTC and the Punjab government have agreed in principle for introducing a luxury train in the northern state on the model of Palace on Wheels, and if everything goes well, it can be a distinct possibility next year,'' Mr Goyal said.

Pointing out that Punjab has a rich tapestry of history and culture, he said the train can take its high-end passengers on a detour of places like Keeratpur, Amritsar, Patiala, Nankana Sahib before hitting the Kalka-Shimla hill stretch and terminating the journey at Agra via Jaipur.

''This will be a perfect case for the introduction of a luxury train on the Golden Triangle sector, and it can be a money-spinning proposition for both the Railways and the Punjab government,'' he added.

The train will be introduced on a 50:50 basis between IRCTC and Punjab Tourism, which is also the case with Palace on Wheels being run in Rajasthan.

Mr Goyal also announced that arrangements for a second Palace on Wheels in Rajasthan were being readied, and the train would commence its operations next year.

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