Odisha soon to join list of states having own 'Palace on Wheels' train

Rail ministry had invited proposals from 15 states to own tourism trains in Feb; Odisha was the only one to respond; ownership model likely to be finalised in August

Indian Railways is all set to cash in on the tourism potential in Odisha's pristine beaches, cultural and heritage sites and charming wildlife. The eastern state may soon own a luxury train — similar to the iconic Palace on Wheels — showcasing the beauty of places like Puri, Bhubaneshwar, Cuttack and Konark to the outside world.   

With this, Odisha Tourism Development Corporation (OTDC) is set to enter the elite league of states like Rajasthan, Maharashtra and Karnataka that manage luxury trains targeting overseas consumers. The ministry of railways had invited proposals from around 15 states to own tourism trains in