State moots Palace-on-Wheels

bangalore: tourism minister r. roshan baig told the legislative council on friday that there is a proposal to operate ``palace-on-wheels'' from bangalore to bijapur via mysore, hassan hubli and gadag to attract international tourists. in his reply to a question by s.r.patil (congress), baig said the proposal is part of a plan to increase tourism potential exclusively for the north karnataka region.``badami, pattadakal, aihole, bijapur and gulbarga are also included besides hampi,'' he added. when asked about the absence of broad-gauge railway line between hubli and bijapur, baig said the matter will be taken up with the centre. patil urged the government to develop badami, aihole and pattadakal on the lines of mahabalipuram near chennai. baig said the master plan being prepared for the development of infrastructure in all the important tourist centres is to the tune of rs 100 crore.