JAISALMER: The craze for the world-famous luxury train Palace on Wheels—often described as a “moving royal palace”—is so immense that even after its tourism season was fully booked, a leading nationalised bank has chartered the entire train for a special journey. At a time when global financial markets are witnessing geopolitical tensions and economic uncertainty, India’s banking sector has made a bold and surprising move. A prominent public sector bank has booked the entire Palace on Wheels for a five-day journey during the peak summer season, showcasing confidence and grandeur. This royal journey will begin from Delhi on May 20 and conclude on the morning of May 25. The itinerary includes destinations such as Jaipur, Sawai Madhopur, Udaipur and Jaisalmer, with a red carpet welcome planned at every stop. Tourism experts believe this investment reflects not only the strength of India’s banking sector but also growing institutional trust in Rajasthan’s tourism ecosystem. According to sources, delegates travelling on the train will explore the architectural brilliance of Jaisalmer Fort and enjoy sunset views at the Sam Sand Dunes. The train will depart for Delhi the same night at 11:30 pm. The train will depart from Safdarjung Railway Station in Delhi at 6:30 pm on May 20. Senior bank officials and delegates will experience a journey filled with royal luxury. Highlights include a grand welcome in Jaipur with a visit to Amer Fort on May 21; a jungle safari and tiger sighting at Ranthambore National Park on May 22; a royal dinner by Lake Pichola on May 23; and arrival in Jaisalmer on the morning of May 24. Hridesh Chansoria, spokesperson for Palace on Wheels, described the full booking by a national bank as a historic event and a matter of pride for Rajasthan tourism. He said it highlights that the train is no longer just a tourist attraction but has become a preferred choice for major corporate and institutional clients. Tourism entrepreneur Mayank Kumar noted that while chartered planes were earlier considered the ultimate status symbol for destination events and high-level meetings in Jaisalmer, booking an entire luxury train has now set a new trend. Experts say such journeys offer a unique networking advantage. Unlike flights, where passengers are isolated, a five-day shared luxury train experience fosters stronger bonding. Tour operator I.V. Singh added that such initiatives provide a much-needed boost to Jaisalmer’s tourism during the off-season. With around 84 guests arriving together in May—when tourism activity usually slows—it acts as a “booster dose” for local handicrafts, guides and related businesses. Following this trend, there has been a noticeable rise in inquiries for booking entire luxury trains for weddings in Jaisalmer, indicating a potential shift in the destination wedding market. Tourism experts believe this move could serve as a strong response to global economic slowdown concerns while enhancing the prestige of Indian banks. At a time when global banks are cutting costs, a government bank chartering a train like Palace on Wheels reflects the resilience and prosperity of India’s banking sector. It also serves as a demonstration of India’s soft power on the global stage. Notably, the Palace on Wheels, launched on January 26, 1982, underwent a complete makeover after being privatised in 2023. The train features 22 coaches, including 14 saloons themed after Rajasthan’s royal states such as Jodhpur, Bikaner and Jaisalmer. It offers 31 deluxe cabins, two super deluxe cabins, and an exclusive presidential suite, along with two fine-dining restaurants, a modern spa coach, and personal attendants (khidmatgars) for every cabin—truly making it a palace on the move.
