(a) whether the Railways propose to introduce certain new travel packages for Buddhist circuits;
(b) if so, the details thereof; and
(c) the details of such trains that would pass through Orissa region?
(a) whether the Railways propose to introduce certain new travel packages for Buddhist circuits;
(b) if so, the details thereof; and
(c) the details of such trains that would pass through Orissa region?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS (SHRI K.H. MUNIYAPPA)
(a) and (b): Yes, Madam. Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) has planned
to operate monthly tour packages covering important Buddhist pilgrimage destinations such as
Nagarjuna Konda, Ajanta & Ellora Caves, Sravasti, Sanchi, Kushinagar, Rajgir, Bodhgaya, etc. on
demand basis.
(c): Presently, two rail tour packages are operated by IRCTC in Orissa covering Buddhist
pilgrim destinations, like Dhaulagiri, Khandagiri, Udaygiri, Lalitgiri and Ratnagiri. These
packages are offered through regular train service.