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Indian Railways will be selling non-prescription medicines, tooth brush, tooth paste, basic toiletries, tourist maps and travelers guide in important trains soon, said Railway Minister, Shri Lalu Prasad here today. Addressing the Incredible India tourism function organised at the New Delhi Railway station jointly by the Ministries of Tourism and Railways Shri Lalu Prasad said that Indian Railways, as in the past, would be in the forefront to promote tourism.
Highlighting the achievements of Indian Railway Tourism and Catering Corporation (IRCTC), the Railway Minister stated that the recently introduced passenger ticket booking facility through internet and mobile phones have proved to be instant success. It has been highly appreciated by rail passengers especially domestic and international tourists, he added. Indian Railways having world heritage sites like Darjeeling Hill Railways and Chatarpati Shivaji Terminus, Mumbai has considerbale untapped potential to boost tourism. Our luxury trains like Palace on Wheels and hill railways attract thousands of tourists every year from all over the world, he said. Lauding the efforts of the Tourism Ministry to promote Incredible India, Shri Lalu Prasad offered all possible assistance from Indian Railways. The Minister also released special Incredible India Posters, magazine and brochures of sixteen different tourist destinations spread across the country.
Smt. Renuka Choudhury, the Minister of State for Tourism who presided over the function said that domestic tourism has witnessed three fold increase in the recent years and Indian Railways continues to play a pivotal role in boosting tourism. Expressing her gratitude to the Railway Minister, Smt. Choudhuray said that joint promotion by the Ministries of Railways and Tourism can give the right fillip to tourism in the country. She said the passenger amenities and punctuality of flagship trains like Rajdhani and Shatabadi is indeed praise-worthy.
Organised on the eve of World Tourism Day to promote tourism especially domestic tourism, the function was attended by Shri R.K. Singh, Chariman, Railway Borad and other senior officials of both the Ministries. Later, the Railway Minister Shri Lalu Prasad has announced a cash award of Rs. 50,000 /- to the group of folk dance artists who staged a colourful performance and accorded a traditional welcome to the passengers of Delhi-Mumbai Rajdhani Express.
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