Jaipur, 08 October. Chief Minister Mr Ashok Gehlot flagged off the Palace on Wheels train at Gandhinagar Railway Station on Saturday.
Mr Gehlot said that the Palace on
Wheels has set high standards for experiential tourism in the world. The resumption
of this train, which has been running for the last 40 years, after a gap of 2
years is a good sign. This is a positive indication for tourism sector to emerge
stronger in the coming days.
Before
the departure of the train, the Chief Minister took stock of the facilities on
board the Palace on Wheels. Wishing the passengers a happy journey, he said
that it is a matter of pride for us to resume the services of Palace on Wheels.
Tourists from all over the country and abroad are mesmerized by the heritage
and cultural traditions of Rajasthan on the royal train. He said that the train
has modern furnishings and all tourist amenities. It is being operated under joint
venture of Railways and RTDC,
The operation of royal train was shut for almost two years due to Covid. It has now resumed the positive initiative of RTDC and Tourism Department.
Mr Gehlot said that the state government has accorded industry status to tourism
and various concessions are being given to the sector. From the point of view
of tourism, Rajasthan's old havelis, bastions, forts and deserts along with
folk arts, handicrafts etc. have a special identity all over the world. A
provision of Rs 1000 crore has been made for the promotion of tourism in the
budget 2022-23. He said that Rajasthan receives the highest number of foreign
tourists after Delhi-Agra. The state has
a rich tradition of local tourism too.
It is noteworthy that the first royal train was started in the year 1982. As a result of the change in rail gauges from time to time by the railways, the second train from meter gauge to broad gauge was built in the year 1991 and the third in 1995.
Apart
from Delhi and Agra, the train will embark on a seven-day journey to the
beautiful cities of Rajasthan, Jaipur, Jodhpur, Udaipur, Chittorgarh, Jaisalmer
and Bharatpur, which will attract domestic and foreign tourists.
The
journey of this royal train, giving a glimpse of the glorious history of
Rajasthan, delights the domestic and foreign tourists. A tourist finds himself
in a royal atmosphere. Tourists are fascinated by the hospitality, delicious
cuisine and the service and hospitality of the officers and employees of the RTDC.
