Deccan Odyssey breaks even

Deccan Odyssey, the luxury train, has managed to break even for the first time since its inception five years ago, according to Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation CEO Jayant Gaikawad. The luxury train, which is a joint venture between the ministry of railways and the Maharashtra government, carried 1,069 passengers and earned a revenue of Rs 8 crore for the year 2007-08. The train recorded 70% occupancy for the year, said Vijay Chavan, MTDC manager. Tourists from America, Britain and France constituted the main clientele of the train, which is currently booked up to 2010, he added.The train takes passengers on a week-long trip to locations like Ratnagiri, Sindhudurg, Kolhapur, Ajanta Ellora and Goa. Running between September and April, the train tariffs are $780 per day for a couple. The train has served as a brand ambassador for Maharashtra tourism, with more tourists visiting the places covered by it, said Mr Chavan. According to Arup Sen, executive director, Cox and Kings, “The train has opened up tourism potential in places such as Sindhudurg and Ganapatipule for the affluent traveller. However, the hospitality industry should set up more hotels in these places to attract tourists.”