Palace on Wheels Resumes Operations in May After 45 Years, Marking a New Chapter in Luxury Heritage Tourism
Rajasthan’s iconic luxury train, Palace on Wheels, to embark on a special six-day journey this May, reflecting renewed confidence in India’s heritage tourism and rail sector.
In a significant development for Indian Railways and Rajasthan Tourism, the Palace on Wheels, the country’s pioneering luxury heritage train, is set to operate in May for the first time since its inception in 1982. This marks a departure from its traditional schedule, which typically spans from September to April, avoiding the intense summer heat of Rajasthan.
Launched on January 26, 1982, the Palace on Wheels is a joint venture between Indian Railways and the Rajasthan Tourism Development Corporation (RTDC). Over four decades, it has earned global acclaim as one of the world’s premier luxury royal trains, showcasing the rich cultural heritage and architectural grandeur of Rajasthan while offering an unparalleled travel experience.
Historically, the train’s operations were suspended during the peak summer months due to the region’s extreme temperatures, often exceeding 42 degrees Celsius, which deterred tourist inflows. However, this year, responding to a surge in demand and evolving market dynamics, the train will run from May 20 to May 25, covering approximately 2,610 kilometres on a specially curated itinerary.
The journey will commence from Delhi Safdarjung station and traverse a series of culturally and historically significant destinations across Rajasthan. Key stops include Durgapura, Sawai Madhopur, Chittorgarh, Berach, Rana Pratap Nagar, Udaipur, Chanderia, Marwar Junction, Jaisalmer, Bikaner, and Phulera. This route offers passengers an immersive experience of Rajasthan’s royal heritage, architectural marvels, and vibrant local traditions.
The Palace on Wheels will operate as train number 00290 under the Indian Railways’ Bharat Gaurav Train Policy, which aims to promote thematic tourism by leveraging India’s rich cultural and historical assets. The train’s composition includes 22 coaches, featuring six WPCT-1 saloon coaches, seven WPCT-2 saloon coaches, a Super Deluxe saloon coach, two restaurant-cum-bar coaches, and dedicated kitchen, staff, service, and spa cars. Each of the 14 passenger coaches is named after princely states of Rajasthan, such as Alwar, Bharatpur, Bikaner, Bundi, Dholpur, and others, symbolizing the regal legacy of the region.
This special May journey has been exclusively chartered by a leading nationalised bank, reflecting institutional confidence in the resilience and growth potential of India’s domestic tourism sector. The full-train booking underscores the strategic importance of luxury heritage tourism as a driver of economic activity and cultural preservation within the Indian Railways’ broader portfolio.
The resumption of Palace on Wheels operations in May also aligns with Indian Railways’ ongoing efforts to diversify and enhance its tourism offerings. The Bharat Gaurav initiative, under which the train is now running, is designed to capitalize on India’s diverse heritage sites by providing curated travel experiences that combine comfort, culture, and convenience. This approach not only boosts regional economies but also strengthens the railways’ role in promoting sustainable tourism.
From a business perspective, the Palace on Wheels serves as a flagship model for luxury train travel in India, setting benchmarks in service quality, heritage conservation, and customer experience. Its continued success contributes to Indian Railways’ strategic objective of expanding non-fare revenue streams and enhancing the attractiveness of rail travel among high-end domestic and international tourists.
As the Palace on Wheels embarks on this unprecedented May journey, it symbolizes a broader revival of heritage tourism in India amid evolving market conditions and consumer preferences. The collaboration between Indian Railways and Rajasthan Tourism Development Corporation exemplifies effective public sector synergy in leveraging cultural assets for economic development.
Looking ahead, the Palace on Wheels is poised to remain a cornerstone of India’s luxury tourism landscape, offering discerning travellers a unique window into the royal past of Rajasthan while supporting the Indian Railways’ vision of becoming a catalyst for inclusive and sustainable tourism growth.
