Bengaluru: Golden Chariot will run at full occupancy of 75 passengers, perhaps for the first time. Chief minister DK Shivakumar will flag off the luxury tourist train’s first trip in the current financial year (2026-27) from KSR Bengaluru station Saturday morning. Across the season, Golden Chariot will carry passengers around Karnataka and other states such as Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Goa.The train, currently stationed at Bengaluru Cantonment station, has undergone significant upgrades ahead of the tourist season. “We have got all the polish work and other minor repairs done. We have also built two new suites, an addition that will be offered to big groups,” Promila Gupta, group general manager, IRCTC (tourism), told TOI.Unlike previous years when overseas tourists were targeted, IRCTC is now trying to explore corporate travel and weddings. “When director of companies land, they tend to expect a bigger room compared to other people. So, the facility (suites) has been created to attract corporate bigwigs and, in case of weddings, for the groom and bride,” she added.Unlike IRCTC’s flagship luxury train, Maharajas’ Express, Golden Chariot is still struggling. “It’s operating at a loss, but bookings are increasing now. Golden Chariot had low ridership after Covid pandemic. But it is running now, and I’m sure, in the next 2 to 3 years, it will on a par with Maharajas’ Express,” an IRCTC official said.Passengers can book either a deluxe cabin or a single supplement across the itineraries; fares for the trips begin at $2,600 and go as high as $5,000 for an all-inclusive South Indian package. The fares are inclusive of food and alcoholic beverages on board, sightseeing and hotel bookings.
