The Deccan Odyssey luxury train service, operated by the Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation, resumed operations in a new look today.
The Tourism Minister, Mr Chhagan Bhujbal, joined passengers on the maiden journey of the renovated luxury train from the Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus here.
The train was launched in January 2004 and travelled mostly within the State, catering mainly to foreign tourists. However, after the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks in 2008, the bookings dwindled.
“After the terror attacks, we had around 1,000 to 1,200 bookings cancelled,” the MTDC Joint Managing Director, Mr Avinash Dhakne, told PTI. Today, it carried about 80 passengers, including tourists from the US, Britain, Switzerland, Holland and Australia.
The train today embarked on a week-long journey to New Delhi, where another batch of tourists will board the train for the return journey.
The MTDC decided to fully renovate the train and re-launch it on a pan-India basis.
The train boasts regal interiors, the best of food and drinks, conference rooms, televisions in each suite, dining rooms, lounges, a fully-equipped gym with massage and spa, a library, and the full range of executive services.
Besides the Mumbai-New Delhi-Mumbai trip, which would take a fortnight, the train will also ply within the State.
“We are eyeing destinations such as Shirdi and are planning a special package for it,” Mr Dhakne said.