BENGALURU: The state tourism department is contemplating on re-starting the ambitious and luxurious Golden Chariot services and has floated tenders. It had earlier discontinued it due to mounting losses.
The department has made certain changes in the tender document and aims to make it profitable.
The luxurious service was launched to showcase the tourist spots within the state and neighbouring states. For the last 10 years the department has suffered a loss to a tune of Rs 40 crore.
The tender document stated that successful bidder has to pay a royalty of Rs 1 crore to the department every year. Further, the bidder must share 5 to 10 per cent of the profit earned by operating the services.
As per the tender document, the money to be paid by the Tourism department to railways has been reduced by about 50 per cent. Earlier, the department used to paying over Rs 2 crore per annum to the railway department, but now it has been reduced to Rs 1.12 crore.
The department has floated tender for the third time. The first two tenders did not receive satisfactory response.
Sources in the department said the terms and conditions of the new tender will help running this luxury train a profitable venture.
