Question : TOURIST COACHES IN KERALA BOUND TRAINS

(a) whether the Railways propose to introduce tourist coaches in Kerala-bound trains and tourist lounges at major railway stations in Kerala;

(b) if so, the details thereof;

(c) whether the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) has announced new tour packages and if so, the details thereof, State-wise;

(d) whether the Railways have proposed to run premium air-conditioned trains; and

(e) if so, the details thereof, zone-wise?

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS (SHRI ADHIR RANJAN CHOWDHURY)

(a) No, Madam.

(b): Does not arise.

(c): Yes, Madam. The originating state-wise details of new tour packages is at appendix.

(d) & (e): There is no proposal to run premium air conditioned trains, at present. However, one premium special air conditioned train was operated between New Delhi and Mumbai during the period 24.12.2013 to 06.01.2014 on experimental basis.