The Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) has decided to provide special tour packages to Patna residents in the first week of January 2013.

People interested in visiting places like Vaishno Devi, Shirdi, Goa, Delhi, Agra and Amritsar can avail this offer.

Patna IRCTC regional manager Yuvraj Minz said: “The seats are limited and people have to book their tickets well in advance.”

Asked about the reason for offering such packages, Minz said: “It is aimed at giving the best packages to passengers who are keen to explore India with the railways.”

Assistant supervisor of IRCTC, Patna, Sanjeev Kumar said: “We will start on January 4, 2013, with the Rajdhani Express for Delhi, Agra, Amritsar. Tourists for Shirdi would be accommodated on the Rajendranagar CST Express. Similarly, the Archana Express and Patna-Vasco Da Gama Express will depart on January 5, 2013 for Vaishno Devi and Goa, respectively. The 7-night-8 day package will cover Delhi, Agra and Amritsar at a cost of Rs 17,000 per person in 3AC. Only six passengers can avail this facility. However, there would be two rates for the Goa tour package. The 6 night-7 day package would cost Rs 7,790 for sleeper class and Rs 9,220 for 3AC.”