A decision to this effect was taken at a meeting held on tourism by the Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Dr Y S Rajasekhar Reddy, an official release said here today.
Making a powerpoint presentation on the tourism initiatives being taken in the state, Managing Director of the AP Tourism Development Corporation, T V N Rao said the cost of the luxury tourist train having 12 AC coaches would be borne by the Centre, Railways and Andhra Pradesh government at 10:10:20 ratio. Clearance was received for the project from the government of India and the Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) is being formed, he said. Noting the vast tourist potential at Araku valley in the state, the Chief Minister directed the officials to take up promotion of tourist hotels in private-public partnership. He directed the officials not to encourage contract appointments in the department any longer and suggested to go in for outsourcing, instead, the release added.
