IRCTC, HP tourism corp ink pact

The Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation (HPTDC) and Indian Railways Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) on Tuesday signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU), aiming at facilitating seamless and comfortable travel experience for tourists.

The MoU was signed by Rajeev Kumar, Managing Director of the HPTDC and Harjot Singh Sandhu, IRTS Chief Regional Manager, IRCTC. Both organisations would collaborate to offer customised travel packages that will comprehensively cover transportation, boarding and lodging facilities, enabling travellers to move conveniently from one destination to another.

“Through this pact, tourists will be able to avail integrated packages combining rail travel with accommodation in HPTDC hotels and other hospitality services, ensuring ease of planning, cost-effectiveness and enhanced convenience. The initiative is expected to significantly improve last-mile connectivity and provide tourists with reliable and standardised services throughout their journey,” said Kumar.

“This tie-up will also enable HPTDC to effectively compete with private players in the tourism and hospitality sector by leveraging the extensive network and outreach of Indian Railways,” he said.

“By aligning with one of the largest transport networks in the country, HPTDC will gain pan-India visibility, thereby attracting a wider segment of domestic tourists. The initiative is further expected to result in increased occupancy of HPTDC hotels and improved utilisation of its infrastructure,” he said.

As a part of this initiative, both organisations are offering two-nights, three-days package named “Shimla Toy Train Weekend Getaway”, scheduled from March 27 to 29.

One Day 1, tourists will travel from the Kalka Railway Station to Shimla in a charted coach having 30 seats, attached to a Toy Train and would stay in HPTDC’s Hotel Holiday Home in Shimla along with local sightseeing. One Day 2, tourists would head for sightseeing in Kufri, Himalayan Nature Park, Viceregal Lodge and Lord Hanuman Temple in Jakhoo. On Day 3, tourists will depart from Shimla to Kalka. The package also includes breakfast, offering the tourists local cuisine. Tourists have been advised to book the package by visiting IRCTC’s website www.irctctourism.com or by contacting on 78886-96843, 85959-30962 and 85959-30980.