IRCTC launches local tours

Chennai, May 7 (UNI) The Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation Ltd (IRCTC) here today launched local tours for the benefit of train passengers arriving from different parts of the country.

The local tours would cover all major tourist spots in Chennai area, including Mahabalipuram and Kancheepuram.

Launching the ''Chennai City Tours'' at the Central Station, IRCTC Regional Director (South Zone) V Sriram told newsmen ''we target these short tours at the hundreds of passengers who waste their day at railway stations waiting for the their trains.'' The unique selling point of these tours were their value added services, including takeaway breakfasts, lunch, mineral water supply and entrance fees.

''We have also priced it in such a way that even people belonging to the lower economic groups can afford to use these tours,'' he said.

A five-hour tour cost Rs 150 a person and an eight-hour tour including breakfast and lunch, costs Rs 325, he added.

Mr Sriram also spoke about the ''Green Signal'' tours, an exclusive package tour introduced by the IRCTC to explore Indian states through the Railways.

The ''Green Signal'' tours would be operated from Bangalore, Delhi and Kolkata initially and later extended to the other cities.

Denying the reported allegations of South Indian food not being served on trains, he said there was no such move and they would continue to be served.

UNI