Indian Railways to be lead partner of CWG 2010

While presenting the Railway Budget for 2010-11 in the Parliament today in New Delhi, Railway Minister Mamata Banerjee announced that Indian Railways will be the lead partner of Commonwealth Games (CWG) 2010. To mark this event, as well as spread the message, the Indian Railways have proposed to run a Commonwealth Exhibition train. CWG will be held in the New Delhi from October 3-14, 2010.

CWG is expected to lift the country’s tourism industry in a big way. According to the Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (ASSOCHAM), CWG Games 2010 are likely to push India’s Foreign Exchange Earnings (FEE) through tourism alone in 2010 to an estimated level of over USD 16,915 million, as these are expected to grow at a cumulative rate of 20 per cent in next two years.

The hospitality industry is expecting a 25 per cent increase in room rentals during the event. Most of the hotels are under construction in Delhi and National Capital Region. In addition 6,000 rooms are being constructed by various hotel owners in Haryana. Besides, luxury tents for visitors during CWG 2010 will be set up at Surajkund and Dundahera in Haryana.