Jaipur: Luxury tourist train Palace on Wheels arrived in Jaipur Thursday with 82 guests onboard, marking a historic milestone as it operated under a complete charter booking for the first time in May.In its 45‑year history, the train has never run during the peak summer season. This special journey has been fully booked by a nationalised bank as part of a corporate charter tour. The train departed from Delhi on May 20 and is scheduled to travel across major tourist destinations of Rajasthan, including Jaipur and Jaisalmer.Guests were welcomed in Jaipur with a grand traditional Rajasthani reception, complete with folk music and cultural performances. Travelers from India and abroad will experience the state’s rich heritage, cuisine, and royal hospitality throughout the journey.Bhagat Singh, CMD of Lohagarh Group of Companies and operator of the luxury train, said, “Special arrangements have been made to counter the summer heat, including customized menus, air‑cooled sightseeing, and luxury onboard services.”Stakeholders in the industry said that the charter reflects the growing demand for luxury and heritage tourism in Rajasthan.The Palace on Wheels recently recorded nearly a 45% increase in passenger growth, underscoring its rising popularity among domestic and international travelers.Officials from the state tourism department said the successful operation of the train in May could pave the way for off‑season luxury tourism in the state.“The charter demonstrates resilience in Rajasthan’s tourism sector, which is increasingly diversifying beyond traditional peak seasons,” said a tourism department official.
