Jaisalmer, 28 August (Kiran News): The iconic Palace on Wheels, India’s most renowned and successful luxury train, will arrive in Jaisalmer on 21 September during its first journey of the season. This year, the train will depart from Delhi’s Safdarjung Railway Station on 17 September (Wednesday) and reach Jaisalmer on Sunday. The operation of the train is now managed by a private company, and after recent upgrades, online booking has begun, bringing cheer to the tourism industry.
Interest in the Palace on Wheels had declined over the last few years, especially after foreign tourists stopped visiting India during the Covid period, forcing the train’s operations to be suspended for two years. Although it resumed in 2022, only 11 trips were conducted throughout the season. While the train used to be revamped annually for tourists, analysis of revenue trends led Indian Railways to hand over operations to a private entity. Following new upgrades this year, online booking has restarted.
Launched on 26 January 1982, the Palace on Wheels was privatized two years ago after 41 years of operation by Indian Railways. The train runs annually from September to April, departing from Delhi and passing through Jaipur, Sawai Madhopur, Chittorgarh, and Udaipur before reaching Jaisalmer on Sunday morning. After departing Jaisalmer in the evening, the train returns to Delhi via Jodhpur, Bharatpur, and Agra.
Due to the premium cost, the Palace on Wheels has mainly attracted foreign tourists, but their numbers have dropped in recent years. While it once achieved 100% bookings, the number of passengers has steadily declined, with only around 3,500 tourists traveling in the entire season five years ago. Just before Covid, the number had dropped below 2,500, and the pandemic led to its suspension for two years. Last year, only 11 trips were run due to less than 50% booking rates.
This year, after further upgrades and handing operations to a private company, the Palace on Wheels is set to run 33 trips in the season. Major renovations in recent years include fully renovated bathrooms with bio-toilets, redesigned restaurants, new furniture, upgraded lighting, and refreshed exteriors and interiors. The onboard menu has also been updated with famous local dishes to give tourists an authentic royal experience.
The Palace on Wheels will depart on the third Wednesday of September and is expected to make 33 trips this season, hoping for a revival in interest and bookings.
My name is Bhupendra Singh Chundawat. I am an experienced content writer with several years of expertise in the field. Currently, I contribute to Daily Kiran, creating engaging and informative content across a variety of categories including technology, health, travel, education, and automobiles. My goal is to deliver accurate, insightful, and captivating information through my words to help readers stay informed and empowered.
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