India's most expensive and one of the world's most famous luxury trains is all set to go uber posh and may cost less on your pocket.
Maharajas' Express, an 84-seater train, which costs
Rs. 10,00,000 for a seven-day trip, is will soon get more affordable albeit with a shorter
itinerary. It will now be run by the Indian Rail Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC).
The luxury train has 23 coaches, including presidential suites, with a passenger capacity of 84. It also has two fine dining restaurants and bars. All cabins have LCD TVs, wi-fi access, individual temperature control and full en-suite bathroom. There is one presidential suite, which comprises a full train car — the largest suite in a train across the world.
The royal train is likely to have a three-day itinerary, instead of seven days and the services provided onboard are also going to improve.
The train was earlier operated by Royale Indian Rail Tours Ltd, a joint-venture between Cox & Kings India Ltd and IRCTC. It featured as one of the most luxurious trains in the world in a recent list compiled by a US-based global rail travel society.
"We will be providing better onboard services and the itinerary is also expected to be shorter, making the train more accessible for people," said a senior IRCTC official, requesting anonymity.
The IRCTC has launched a website www.railtourwismindia.com/maharajas for online bookings. "We'll add new dimensions to luxury trains and bring down the package cost by shortening the itinerary. So, Royal India's journey from Delhi to Mumbai and Classical India's round-trip from Delhi with highlights, including the holy city of Varanasi, which cost around R10,00,000 is expected to come down to Rs. 5 lakh," the officer added.