Luxury on wheels: GSRTC to roll out caravan services
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Gandhinagar: After the successful implementation of
Volvo bus service
, the Gujarat State Road Transport Corporation (GSRTC) is preparing to launch a high-end caravan or vanity van service that enjoys popularity among Bollywood celebrities and high net worth individuals (HNI).
Sources close to the development said the state govt has undertaken initiatives to significantly enhance GSRTC services. "As part of these efforts, premium bus services like Volvo have already started, and now it has been decided to introduce high-end caravan services as well. There is currently an untapped market for these luxury vehicles. The govt's entry into this segment is expected to encourage private players to follow suit," the source said.
He added, "Tourists visiting Gujarat usually travel in groups. So our focus is to attract HNI tourists who are willing to pay a premium for top-quality services. Additionally, film production teams, large corporates and govt VVIPs also require such services. Every govt event with VVIP attendance requires a green room equipped with all essential facilities. We are aiming to design caravan buses that can provide spaces such as a small conference room alongside seating, sleeping and refreshment amenities."
"The state govt has approved an initial budget of Rs 5 crore to procure 10 caravans similar to those that are popular overseas to allow families to travel together. The acquisition of these caravans and their annual maintenance cost will be managed by the GSRTC, while the tourism department will oversee the management aspects such as a caravan park, marketing and viability gap funding."
The govt will issue a tender to determine the specifications and number of buses to be acquired. Sources estimate that each caravan will cost between Rs 50 lakh and Rs 2 crore.
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