'Rail Yatri Niwas' at New Delhi station sold to Taj Group

New Delhi, Jan 25 (UNI) Giving a fillip to private participation in its hospitality services, the Railways has sold 'Rail Yatri Niwas' at New Delhi station to the Taj Group for a consideration of Rs 8.5 crore.

''The deal will become effective from March one,'' Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) Managing Director P K Goel said today.

The stately Rail Yatri Niwas, a huge hotel located on the Ajmeri Gate side of the New Delhi station, is currently owned by IRCTC, the public sector company of Indian Railways entrusted with the job of providing catering and tourism facilities to rail passengers.

''The ownership of Rail Yatri Niwas will be transferred to the Tata Group-owned Indian Hotels with effect from March one. Under the agreement, the Taj Group of Hotels will run Rail Yatri Niwas for a period of 15 years and will provide Rs 8.5 crore to the Railways,'' Dr Goel said.

In addition, Indian Hotels will invest another Rs eight crore for developing its infrastructure and upgrading facilities like installation of central airconditioning, brand new furniture, upholstery and parking.

The ownership will be for a period of 15 years after which it will once again become the Railways' property. Under the new arrangement, it will be linked to the name of 'Ginger Hotel', the low budget hotel of the Taj Grop of Hotels.

However, all these faciliies will come for a bigger price. At present, one has to pay Rs 399 per day for staying in Rail Yatri Niwas. Once its ownership is transferred to the Taj Group, the hotel tariff will witness a steep hike amounting to a maximum of Rs 999 per day.

Dr Goel said all the employees of Rail Yatri Niwas would go back to IRCTC from March one.

UNI