Michael Portillo is bound for railways in India
Perennial travel host now sets his sights on imperial railways of the subcontinent.
- Published by David Knox
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Two guesses where this will end up…..
BBC Two has commissioned Great Indian Railway Journeys, with host Michael Portillo.
The new 4 part series follows the success of Great British Railway Journeys, Great Continental Railway Journeys and Great American Railroad Journeys.
With a century-old Bradshaw’s Handbook Of Indian, Foreign And Colonial Travel tucked under his arm, he will travel from Amritsar to Shimla, Lucknow to Kolkata, Mysuru to Chennai and Jodhpur to Delhi through India’s famous ‘Golden Triangle’.
“British-built railways in India helped the British to make money and maintain order; and as a by-product served to unite the country, ripe for independence. Exploring the subcontinent by rail today exposed me to its extraordinary vivacity, colour and noise; and introduced me to the new high-tech India too,” he said.
John Comerford, Head of Boundless West and Executive Producer, says: “We are particularly excited for Michael to be taking to the tracks in Asia for the first time. India offers one of the world’s largest rail networks with some spectacular routes to experience so the railways provide the perfect vehicle with which to explore this captivating country.”
BBC have also commissioned 2×60′ of brand new Great Continental Railway Journeys. A ninth series of Great British Railway Journeys (15×30′) and third series of Great American Railroad Journeys (20×30′) are both currently in production.
2 Responses
Complete with his version of the Nehru jacket… :)….I love trains…and especially when this gentleman does it.
Michael should ready himself for a culture shock. He had a carriage to himself on many English and some European trips but Indian trains are noted for over-crowding and carrying livestock. Joanna Lumley or Michael Palin could pass on some tips about Indian train travel. I’m looking forward to the new Lumley and Portillo journeys. L n P, now that sounds famiiar.