Patna, (Bihar Times): The Union tourism ministry is planning to introduce luxury trains in the Buddhist circuit in Bihar on the pattern of the Palace on Wheels.

According to the Union minister of state for tourism Kanti Singh her ministry is in touch with the railway ministry to explore the feasibility of introducing luxury trains in the Buddhist circuit. This would help attract more and more domestic tourists.

She told a newspaper that the Palace on Wheels is popular among foreigners. “I want that domestic tourists should also avail of similar facilities while moving in the Buddhist sector in Bihar and UP,” she was quoted in the Times of India.

According to the additional secretary, ministry of tourism, Sanjay Kothari, there was a substantial growth in the inflow of international as well as domestic tourists in 2008. There was 5.6 per cent growth of international tourists in the country last year. There has not been any impact on tourist inflow in India except for the few days after the Mumbai terror attack.

Kanti Singh alleged that the Nitish government’s step-motherly treatment has hampered railway projects in the state. Due to non-availability of lands, several rail projects are pending.

“We have surveyed major waterfalls at Tutala located in the dense forest of Rohtas district. My officials have submitted a detailed report of Tutala falls which can be compared with any waterfalls in the world. We want to develop it as one of the major destinations for tourists. Similarly, we have identified 19 places which could be developed as rural tourist spots,” she said.

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