New luxury train launched by Indian RailwaysA new luxury train, which will cover tourist destinations in three
states, started its maiden journey from Safdarjung railway station in
the capital Sunday. 'Royal Rajasthan on Wheels' - touted as
India's most luxurious train - is a joint venture between Rajasthan
Tourism Development Corporation Ltd (RTDC) and the Indian Railways.
The
train will run every Sunday between October and April from Delhi. It
will travel across three states - Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Uttar
Pradesh.
"The train will go to Jaipur, Jaisalmer, Udaipur,
Khajuraho and Agra. And the journey will culminate in Varanasi," RTDC
chairman Pramod Sharma said. The entire journey would be completed in
seven days.
Consisting of 35 coaches, the train has a ferrying
capacity of 82 passengers in one trip. The train has on board a spa,
gymnasium, specials suites, deluxe saloons and two restro-lounges which
make the journey truly a 'royal experience'.
"This train is
better than 'Palace on Wheels' as it is more spacious and grander. It
has every luxury which anyone would want," said Sharma.
While the
journey will cost $4,130 (Rs.2,14,760), one will have to shell out
$1,600 (Rs.83,200) per day more if one travels in the special suite.
On Sunday, as the train started its maiden trip, there were 61 foreign tourists on board.
"So
far, the service has been really good and the crew is really
hospitable. It would be too early to say anything about the train as the
journey has not even started yet," an Australian tourist Kent Vodan
told IANS while the train was at Safdarjung station.
New luxury train launched by Indian Railways
