In a significant shift from its traditional route, the iconic luxury train, Palace on Wheels, is set to embark on a historic journey to the sacred city of Ayodhya in Uttar Pradesh after 42 years of operation. Renowned as the world’s second most luxurious train, Palace on Wheels officials have announced the introduction of spiritual tours starting from May.
According to reports, the six-day spiritual journey will commence from Delhi and traverse through Ayodhya, Varanasi, Prayagraj, Mathura, and Vrindavan. In a departure from its usual offerings, the train will now cater exclusively to spiritual travelers, with non-vegetarian options excluded from the menu and dishes abstaining from onion and garlic.
These spiritual tours, scheduled twice a month, offer flexibility for local tourists to opt for specific destinations like Ayodhya or Prayagraj, with special discounts available for tailored journeys. The management of Palace on Wheels has been delegated to Cube Construction Company Pvt Ltd, a Gujarat-based private firm, by the Rajasthan Tourism Development Corporation (RTDC) for the next seven years.
Pradeep Bohra, Director of Palace on Wheels, confirmed the exclusion of non-vegetarian fare and alcoholic drinks during spiritual tours, emphasizing the inclusion of devotional melodies resonating with the spirit of Ram and Krishna throughout the expedition. Previously operational for eight months annually, Palace on Wheels aims to extend its services year-round under the new management.
Cube Construction Company has committed to an annual fee of INR 5 crore to the RTDC for operating Palace on Wheels, along with a share of 18% of the total turnover. The recent INR 7 crore refurbishment, marking the train’s fourth-generation upgrade, underscores the company’s dedication to enhancing the iconic train’s services and offerings.
