Pan-India tourist train in the works
In a major public-private partnership (PPP) initiative, the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) is planning to start its own dedicated train which would be run on a pan-India tourism circuit.

Currently, the IRCTC runs region-specific package tours for tourists. The corporation has to book tickets for passengers in regular trains running on the these routes. By running a dedicated train, the state-owned company expects to enhance revenues.

The corporation had sent a proposal in this regard to the Railway Board last month. Approval is expected by the end of this year. The IRCTC officials say that the train could be a reality by October 2008. The train will be a luxurious one, air-conditioned, with around 23 coaches and it will target high-end passengers.

However, IRCTC officials say that it would not be on the lines of Palace on Wheels, which caters to a specific region and has a 'regal' look.