Odisha soon to join list of states having own 'Palace on Wheels' train

Indian Railways is all set to cash in on the tourism potential in Odisha's pristine beaches, cultural and heritage sites and charming wildlife. The eastern state may soon own a luxury train — similar to the iconic Palace on Wheels — showcasing the beauty of places like Puri, Bhubaneshwar, Cuttack and Konark to the outside world.

With this, Odisha Tourism Development Corporation (OTDC) is set to enter the elite league of states like Rajasthan, Maharashtra and Karnataka that manage luxury trains targeting overseas consumers. The ministry of railways had invited proposals from around 15 states to own tourism trains in the month of February. However, only Odisha had responded to this ambitious plan.

The plan was finalised after a meeting between the railway officials and Odisha Chief Secretary A P Padhi in Bhubaneswar in July. A team of OTDC may visit Delhi in August to finalise the model of ownership. At present, Indian railways operate five luxury trains namely Palace on Wheels, Heritage Palace on Wheels (both by Rajasthan), Deccan Odyssey (Maharashtra), Golden Chariot (Karnataka) and Maharajas’ Express (Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation).