KTDC, Railways to promote tourism

Kochi: The Kerala Tourism Development Corporation (KTDC) and the Indian Railways have reached an agreement to sign a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to promote tourism. This development is expected to boost Keralas tourism potential.

The intention behind the MoU is to go hand-in-hand with the Railways for promoting tourism in Kerala on the lines of a similar understanding between the Railways and the Rajasthan government.

The MoU, to be signed early next month in New Delhi, is the outcome of a series of talks in this connection between Union Minister of State for Railways O Rajagopal and Tourism Minister K V Thomas. Rajagopal said it would be a joint venture project and the terms and conditions have already been finalised.

Once signed, the Railways would participate in mobilising both domestic and foreign tourists from different parts of the country to Kerala; if kicked off, it will be the first such venture of the Railways for Kerala.

To begin with, it would be just a single-plush coach attached to a train that could originate either from Delhi or Mumbai. The interior of the coach would be designed to present a typical Kerala atmosphere. The food served in the coach would be Kerala cuisine.

On entering Kerala, the coach will be detached at a designated station, and from there, the KTDC will take over the tour. The tourists can then travel and enjoy the state by road in KTDC coaches. After completing the Kerala tour, they can return to the rail coach that would again be attached to a train to take them back.

Rajagopal said as a second phase of the venture, the Railways is planning to introduce ayurveda coaches. In such coaches, tourists can experience some of the aspects of ayurveda, which includes the traditional ayurveda massages.