Maharashtra government has said it is ready with plans to attract domestic tourists to board Deccan Odyssey, the luxury train which takes the travellers through various facets of tourist attractions of Maharashtra and Goa in seven days.
As part of Maharashtra's new tourism policy the state is ready to woo domestic as well as foreign tourists to board the 'Palace on Wheels', Suresh Shetty, Maharashtra minister for tourism, said.
"There are a number of Indians who will be able to afford a tour on the most beautiful train in this part of the world," he said.
The 21-coach luxury train, introduced in 2004, has carried mainly tourists from Europe, USA and far east in the past, he told PTI on the sidelines of a fashion show organised on board the train on Sunday
evening.
He said a narrow-gauge luxury train with 'well-done interiors although not as grand as the Odyssey' will run along the Nagpur-Nagbid-Tadoba route shortly.
"The state has a good budget of about Rs 15 crore (Rs 150 million) this year for tourism and it will be used for promoting Maharashtra as an attractive tourist destination," Shetty added.
The new tourism policy uneviled in November last year is aimed at promoting 'Maharashtra Unlimited' and initiatives have already been undertaken in this direction.
The forest department was working on an 'eco-tourism policy.'
"The state is also working on a policy to encourage entrepreneurs to invest in tourism. They will be provided tax rebates, single-window clearances and other such benefits," the minister added. (
PTI)
Caption: Deccan Odyssey, Maharashtra's luxury train