(NEWS) Tourism Industry hails train to Khajuraho

The tourism industry here is elated over the announcement of a tri-weekly train linking Khajuraho.

Rakesh Chauhan, president of the Agra Hotels and Restaurant Association, said: "It would now be possible for tourists from Delhi to halt at Agra for the night and go to Khajuraho by train. Earlier one had to go by road."

Khajuraho, in Madhya Pradesh, has the largest group of medieval temples famous for their erotic sculptures.

Work on a new railway station, around 20 km from Jhansi, has begun, according to officials here.

The tour operators are hopeful that the new train service will start soon. Presently tourists have to undertake a five-hour road journey to reach Khajuraho or take a flight.

A train connection from Agra via Jhansi will help promote tourism in a big way, say members of the tourism industry.

The departure time of the new train from New Delhi is not known. Travel agents are hopeful that the foreign tourists will extend their stay in Agra by at least a night before going to Khajuraho.

Courtesy: IANS