Indian Railways is partnering with Madame Tussauds to promote heritage-tourism
Six months after Madame Tussauds, renowned for its lifelike wax figures, opened its first India outlet in Delhi, Indian Railways is now partnering with the London-based museum. The goal of an MoU being prepared, according to a railway official, is to promote rail heritage tourism. Apparently, the Railways is mulling similar arrangements with Doll Museum too. There are some 30 museums in the capital.
How do Railways and Tussauds plan to achieve goals?
Under the agreement with Madame Tussauds, combo entry tickets for the National Rail Museum (Delhi) and Tussauds' own museum will be sold at both the locations, to boost visibility of the destinations. Tickets will be offered at concessional rates. Proceeds will go to whichever location the tickets are sold at; neither Railways nor Tussauds can claim a share from the other's profits.
The National Rail Museum has seen some difficult times lately
The National Rail Museum opened its doors in 1977. It showcases different kinds of trains, vintage coaches, and other rail-related material. However, the number of tourists has dipped in recent times. "The reason for this was that Railways has largely remained an inward-looking organization," an official said. Lack of upgradation amid a steeply expanding entertainment market contributed to loss of visitors.
Railways also discussing other plans to boost tourism
Now a major overhaul is in the plans. Apart from the combo ticket scheme with Tussauds, Railways is mulling providing complimentary entry tickets at the National Rail Museum to passengers of the luxury Maharaja Express, an official said. Another plan is to re-launched the National Rail Museum portal, on which Railways was assisted by Google, next month. It will offer a virtual tour of the museum.
