The Resurgence of Railway Tourism: Luxe Heritage Trains and New Themed Circuits

India is well known for its cultural heritage, blessed with a diverse and expansive landscape spanning from snowy mountains to dense forests across the northern-southern regions. Moreover, the country’s historical legacy makes it an attractive destination to explore, thus opening tremendous opportunities for taking tourism to another level. Indian Railways, popularly known for being an easy and convenient mode of transport for Indians, has also strategically focused on delivering a royal experience with an ancient historic touch, enhancing railway tourism while exploring the Indian heritage and culture simultaneously. Indian Railways’ concept of theme-based luxury trains has immense potential to boost economic growth and generate employment, while enhancing the Indian tourism at a global level by attracting foreign tourists.

Story of unmatched luxury trains in Indian railway tourism

• The Maharajas Express: The Maharajas Express is a joint venture of Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) and travel agency Cox & Kings India. Its first commercial run was on January 9, 2010. It is the newest and most costly luxury train in India, equipped with world-class facilities, including large dining, bar, lounge, generator, LCD TVs, direct-dial phones, internet, individual temperature controls and suite bathrooms as well. The Royal Sojourn offers a royal experience to explore illuminating destinations in India with a new 8-day/7-night journey from Mumbai to Delhi.
• Palace on Wheels: India’s first pan-country super luxury train “Palace on Wheels” was started on January 26, 1982, coinciding with India’s Republic Day. The train service was refurbished and re-launched in August 2009 with a new look and more luxury facilities. Palace on Wheels is the best royal Indian train and was voted as world’s 4th most luxurious train globally in a Conde Nast survey in 2010.
• The Golden Chariot: A luxury tourist train started by the KSTDC (Karnataka State Tourism Development Corporation) to connect most popular tourist spots in the state of Karnataka and The Royal Goa itinerary has 19 coaches coloured purple and gold, including two restaurants, conference room, a lounge bar, spa and gym facilities.
• Royal Rajasthan on Wheels: The Royal Rajasthan on Wheels is a luxury tourist train operated by the RTDC (Rajasthan Tourism Development Corporation). This royal carriage of Rajasthan is equipped with facilities like super deluxe rooms, restaurants, bar, boardroom, fitness centre, spa, saloons and enabled Wi-Fi. Royal Rajasthan launched its royal journey from January 2009 and helps travellers visiting heritage destinations of Rajasthan and Agra.
• The Deccan Odyssey: The Deccan Odyssey is a special luxury train run by venture of MTDC (Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation) and Indian Railways. Here the tour package covers vibrant heritage locations in Maharashtra and the Konkan route, along with the luxury of a 5-star hotel but on wheels.

Sustainable luxury: Balancing comfort with conscious travel

The future of luxury train travel is only possible when we commit to sustainability. Today’s travellers are becoming increasingly aware of the environmental impact, not only focused on delivering unmatched comfort but also minimising their environmental footprint. India’s luxury trains are evolving to meet this new, innovation-driven expectation.

India’s luxury trains are modifying to seek opulence and responsibility to weave sustainability into their journeys by focusing on:

• Eco-friendly practices: By adopting greener energy solutions such as energy-efficient engines, biodegradable toiletries, and digital ticketing to reduce paper use, luxury trains are reducing their environmental impact. Waste management system to help in the recycling and minimising the environmental footprint.
• Supporting local economies: Many travel planners and partnerships focus on promoting local artisans, traditional crafts, and regional places. In this way tourists can spend to encourage and give benefits to local communities instead of any multinational corporations.
• Cultural preservation: Heritage journeys like Palace on Wheels and Deccan Odysseys, boost awareness about India’s forts, palaces, ancient caves, and local customs, encouraging rich traditions through appreciation.
• Mindful itineraries: Some luxury trains move at a slower speed to create a more meaningful travel experience, helping travellers to spend more time at fewer locations. This also helps in reducing carbon footprints as compared to fast-engine trains. These travels are resource-intensive and allow travellers to engage more deeply with the old heritages.
• Conscious guest experiences: Many trains now offer optional programmes according to travellers’ interest towards sustainability, such as visiting rural eco-friendly villages, heritage conservation projects, and wildlife sanctuaries that practice responsibility while travelling.

Through these initiatives, luxury trains are redefining opulence while balancing indulgence with responsibility. Not just with their grand interiors or royal dining but through thoughtful, conscious experiences, which respect both the planet and people.

Role of IRCTC and state partnerships in the resurgence of railway tourism

Economic impact and government push

The revival of railway tourism in India mainly comes from its strong economic benefits and solid government backing. Luxurious heritage trains and new themed routes, such as those under the Bharat Gaurav initiative, play a key role in boosting domestic tourism and energising regional economies. Tourists using these routes help generate local income by spending on activities, places to stay, meals, and shopping, thereby leading to broader economic growth. This fits well with the 'Dekho Apna Desh' initiative, which encourages people to explore India. This, in turn, supports local economies and creates jobs. Additionally, the 'Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat' scheme uses these trips to foster cultural unity and appreciation for India's rich heritage. Beyond general tourist spending, these efforts create both direct and indirect jobs for local communities and support small and medium-sized enterprises. For example, the "One Station One Product" scheme connects railway tourism with local artisans and craftsmen by offering sales outlets at stations, helping them succeed and preserving local crafts. This strong policy support and economic boost position railway tourism as a crucial driver for sustainable growth across the country.

FAQs

What is the primary goal of Indian Railways' focus on theme-based luxury trains?

To boost economic growth and employment while enhancing Indian tourism globally by attracting foreign tourists.

How are India's luxury trains incorporating eco-friendly practices?

By adopting greener energy technologies, using biodegradable toiletries, and implementing digital ticketing to reduce paper use.

How do luxury trains support local economies?

Many travel planners and partnerships promote local artisans, traditional crafts, and regional places, encouraging tourists to spend and benefit local communities.

How has digitalisation transformed ticket booking for Indian Railways?

IRCTC's user-friendly websites and mobile apps provide a one-stop digital platform for booking not only trains but also flights, buses, curated tour packages, and hotels.

Beyond general tourist spending, how do railway tourism efforts impact local communities?

They create direct and indirect jobs and support small- and medium-sized enterprises.