Palace on Wheels to return to tracks soon!

Palace On Wheels, India’s famed luxury train, is all set to make a comeback soon, after its services were halted due to the COVID pandemic in 2020.

As per the reports, Rajasthan Tourism Development Corporation (RTDC) Chairman Dharmendra Rathore will likely ink a new agreement with the Indian Railways soon. Revealing more, an official stated that the corporation will clear its dues, amounting to around INR 42 crore, before the luxury train resumes its operation.
Reportedly, the corporation has already handed over a cheque of INR 5 crore, whereas another instalment of INR 3 crore will likely be paid this week.
Reports have it that the railways and RTDC shared revenue in the ratio of 56:44 from the revenue generated from the said train. However, the distribution pattern got altered, and now the RTDC will have to pay haulage charges as per the Bharat Gaurav train policy.

As regarding the operation, RTDC in association with the Indian Railways has been operating the Palace on Wheels since 1982. The design of this luxury train is, reportedly, inspired by the personal coaches of erstwhile rulers, and features modern facilities amid a heritage backdrop.

While each coach is a number of chambers, each chamber is decorated with details and furniture that are in with the local heritage. Its stoppages and route are also planned according to popular tourist trends. As such, a week-long tour on this train makes the journey also memorable just like the destination.
If reports are to go by, the corporation is also considering reducing the train tariff to boost occupancy, and has a record of an average occupancy of 60-70%.

Currently, the tariff of the trains, under different categories, range from INR 55000 to INR 1.53 lakh.

1. Why is the train called Palace on Wheels?
   It is called so because of its royal interiors and ambience. Indian Railways in association with Rajasthan Tourism Development Corporation introduced this luxury train to promote tourism in Rajasthan.
2. What is the booking procedure for Palace on Wheels?
   The online booking facility is available for Palace on Wheels that helps you to book your Luxury train tour to Rajasthan.
3. What are the major destinations covered by the Palace on Wheels?
   It covers the most important destinations in India that includes Delhi, Jaipur, Sawai Madhopur, Chittorgarh, Udaipur, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, Bharatpur and Agra.