The Palace on Wheels is a . It was launched by the Indian Railways to promote tourism in Rajasthan, and has been highly popular since its launch. Palace on Wheels comprises 14 deluxe air-conditioned saloons, completely self-sufficient and tastefully equipped to impress modern travellers. Each compartment is equipped with hot and cold water, attached toilet, shower, intercom, wall-to-wall carpeting and soothing channel music while the passengers enjoy their well-deserved sleep.[1]
Following its success, other luxury and tourist trains have been started on other routes in the country.
The train service was refurbished and relaunched in August 2009 with a new decor, itinerary and cuisine.
History
The Palace on Wheels, started on January 26 in 1982, was voted the 4th luxurious train in the world.[3]
The concept of the Palace on Wheels was derived from the royal background of the coaches, which were originally meant to be the personal railway coaches of the erstwhile rulers of the princely states of Rajputana, Gujarat, the Nizam of Hyderabad and the Viceroy of British India.
Each carriage of Palace on Wheels convey a history of its own; once used as the delicate railway coaches of the rulers of Rajasthan, Gujarat, the Nizams of Hyderabad and the Viceroys of India, today all the carriages are presenting stunning examples of bygone days regality accompanied by modern day classiness.
After India got independence in 1947, all the royal rail carriages were ceased to be used. Because of their rich artistry on the inner walls, it was not possible to include these in the fleet regular passenger trains. It was only on 26th January 1982, that Palace on Wheels pioneered the tradition of luxury train journey in India and made its maiden voyage as a luxury steam engine train. This luxury Indian train started operating in a regular basis from October 1982.
In the year 1991 Palace on Wheels had been refurbished again and this time it appeared as a meter gauge train...