After launching the high-end luxury train Maharajas’ Express in collaboration with Cox & Kings Limited, the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation is mulling on adopting a similar PPP model, although not high-end luxury train, for handling the existing Buddhist Circuit Special train (Mahaparinirvan Express) from next year.
Speaking with TravelBiz Monitor, Dr Nalin Singhal, Director (Tourism & Marketing), IRCTC said, “The Corporation has decided to drop the name Mahaparinirvan Express from this season, starting September 25, 2010 and the train will be called Buddhist Circuit Special Train. We will come up with a dedicated name for the train next year.”
Starting October this year the Corporation will commence a regular non A/c train from Chennai on the Buddhist Circuit to service the Sri Lankan market. According to Singhal, this special train will travel through Nagarjunakonda, Ajanta-Ellora, Sanchi and cover the core Buddhist route before returning to Chennai. |