The Hindu : Karnataka / Bangalore News : Golden Chariot begins trial run

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Thursday, Feb 21, 2008
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Karnataka - Bangalore

Golden Chariot begins trial run

Staff Reporter

Its commercial launch is set for March 10; several tests yet to be done

– Photo: K. Bhagya Prakash

Fine tuning: A file picture of The Golden Chariot .

BANGALORE: Golden Chariot, Karnataka’s luxury train, set out on its first full fledged trial run from Yeshwanthpur Railway Station on Wednesday, and over the next six days and seven nights, technical and logistical tests would be conducted to keep it ready for the commercial launch on March 10.

Carrying with it the senior officials of Indian Railways, Integral Coach Factory (ICF) Chennai and Tourism Department officials, the train left the station around 9 p.m.

“Although the train will start on Mondays during its commercial run, the trial run commenced on Wednesday for operational reasons,” sources told The Hindu.

While the railway officials will conduct various technical tests, the on board and off board partners of the Golden Chariot will be testing their logistic support that needs to be available for the passengers travelling in the luxury train.

In all, the train will be taking around 50 people on board on its first trial run. Sources said that architect Kusum Pendse, the interior designer for the train, will be travelling in the trial run along with many contractors who have worked on various aspects.

“We want to fix any problems that will arise during the trial run and fine tune the system,” sources added.

The date for the second run of the train that is expected to carry representatives from media, travel and tourism industry will be fixed only after sorting out the problems if any that may arise during the first trial run.

Confirmed bookings

With 20 days to go for its first commercial run, the Golden Chariot has received confirmed bookings while many queries are on the verge of conversion stage.

Sajivve Trehaan, Chief Executive Officer of “The Luxury Trains”, the marketing partner of Golden Chariot, told The Hindu that a clear picture would be available in a fortnight’s time. PFAs would be appointed worldwide, and that they had received applications from a number of agencies, he added.

The Luxury Trains has launched online booking facilities on www.thegoldenchariot.co.in.

Apart from this physical bookings would be done through the preferred sales agents (PFA), now appointed in Bangalore and Delhi apart from Tourism House in Bangalore.

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