Royal Orient History and Legend
The Royal Orient luxury train is operated jointly by the Government of Gujarat and the
Indian Railways. It is a unique heritage attraction in India and consists of thirteen
lavishly furnished coaches and saloon cars to provide a select group of travelers with a
royal ride through the fascinating states of Rajasthan and Gujarat.
The Royal Orient luxury train was started after the Palace on Wheels royal luxury train
in Rajasthan had to undergo a conversion. The Palace on Wheels previously had large
coaches and saloon cars that ran on "Broad Gauge" railroad tracks. After
Rajasthan changed its railway lines and converted its tracks from Broad Gauge to Meter
Gauge, the Palace on Wheels train could not run for a while. In 1991 a new Palace on
Wheels Train, which could run on the meter gauge track, was introduced. The luxurious
older coaches and engine which ran on broad gauge tracks remained unused, until the
Gujarat Government and Indian Railways decided to give them a new lease of life and
continue the royal journey, but with a new itinerary that covered fascinating destinations
in Gujarat and Rajasthan. Thus the Royal Orient luxury train journey began.
The Royal Orient train begins its journey in Delhi and covers the destinations of
Chittorgarh, Udaipur, Mehsana, Ahmedabad, Junagarh, Veraval, Sasangir, Mandvi, Diu,
Palitana, Ranakpur and Jaipur before concluding its journey in Delhi. The Royal Orient, a
train with an old history, sets out on its new journey every Wednesday during the months
of September to April from the Delhi Cantonment Railway Station. Enjoy a royal ride on the
historic royal luxury train the Royal Orient. |