Indian Railways does a first, you can travel in style now; here is how

This Indian Railways train service will really make you proud and want to jump on it immediately! It is a first such initiative by Railways and shows that the corporation is on a massive drive to ensure passengers not only travel quickly as well as in comfort to their destination, but also get a chance to experience exclusive luxury on the move. The service provides a privately-occupied saloon coach, that offers air-conditioned rooms! Not just that, also available are valet service and even an attached bathroom. The Indian Railways started this service on Friday and the train began its journey with 6 customers of a private tour operating company. And you would want to know the name of the train? Well, it was the Jammu Mail and it started from the Old Delhi Railway Station.

Notably, this grand mode of travelling was till now primarily reserved for Railways officials to reach places not connected by road or air. IRCTC revealed that this has been opened to the public now. This Indian Railways saloon car experience was felt by these 6 VIP customers and the first charter service was booked by Royal India Train Journeys and they will travel from Delhi to Jammu.  The saloon was attached to the Jammu Mail at the Old Delhi Railway Station for onward journey to Katra. There are as many as 336 saloon cars across railway zones with Indian Railways, of which 62 are air-conditioned.   

And what is Indian Railways charging for the same? IRCTC revealed that the cost of chartering this saloon coach is around Rs 2 lakh. In return for this big amount, the saloon train provides a living room, two air-conditioned bedrooms - one twin bedroom and the other similar to a AC First Class coupe with attached baths, dining area and a swanky kitchen. A valet service has been provided, but this will be chargeable in the future.

The Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) explained, "This will be an all inclusive tour where the guests will be offered all the comfort of a hotel. Exclusive staff will be available for services on board. Railway also provides one AC attendant and one saloon attendant for ensuring hassle free travel." This particular Indian Railways saloon train tour will extend over 4 days and the return will be by April 2. 
Henceforth, IRCTC revealed that these saloons will be available to the public at large for charter service and the details can be checked on the official website. 
The Indian Railways initiative is courtesy Chairman of the Railway Board, Ashwani Lohani. The decision to start this service was taken soon after a meeting with travel and trade associations in Delhi at the beginning of 2018.