Course Code: HMT-803 Course Title: Vacation Planning and Management

Course Instructor: Uma Pandey Section: QOE24

Academic Task No: 02 Academic Task Title: Luxurious train in India

Date of Allotment: 11.03.2020 Date of submission: 25.3.2020

Student’s Roll no: A64 Student’s Reg. no: 11717512

Evaluation Parameters: (Parameters on which student is to be evaluated- To be mentioned by

students as specified at the time of assigning the task by the instructor)
Learning Outcomes: (Student to write briefly about learnings obtained from the academic tasks)
a. I got learn about different Style of facilities provided inside the luxurious train.
b. I got learn about how luxurious train are running due help of IRCTC and helping
in tourism sector

Declaration:

I declare that this Assignment is my individual work. I have not copied it from any other student’s
work or from any other source except where due acknowledgement is made explicitly in the text, nor
has any part been written for me by any other person.

Student’s Signature:

Evaluator’scomments (For Instructor’s use only)

General Observations Suggestions for Improvement Best part of assignment

Evaluator’s Signature and Date:

Marks Obtained: Max. Marks:_________________

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Introduction:
A train is a form of rail transport consisting of a series of vehicles that usually runs along a rail
track to transport cargo or passengers. Motive power is provided by a separate locomotive
or individual motors in self-propelled multiple units. Although historically steam propulsion
dominated, the most common modern forms are diesel and electric locomotives, the
latter supplied by overhead wires or additional rails. Other energy sources include horses,
engine or water-driven rope or wire winch, gravity, pneumatics, batteries, and gas turbines.
Train tracks usually consist of two running rails, sometimes supplemented by additional rails
such as electric conducting rails and rack rails, with a limited number of monorails and maglev
guideways in the mix. The word 'train' comes from the Old Frenchtrahiner, from the Latin
trahere 'pull, draw'.

There are various types of trains that are designed for particular purposes. A train may consist
of a combination of one or more locomotives and attached railroad cars, or a self- propelled
multiple unit (or occasionally a single or articulated powered coach, called a railcar). The
first trains were rope-hauled, gravity powered or pulled by horses. From the early 19th century
almost all were powered by steam locomotives. From the 1910s onwards the steam locomotives
began to be replaced by less labor-intensive and cleaner (but more complex and expensive)
diesel locomotives and electric locomotives, while at about the same time self-propelled
multiple unit vehicles of either power system became much more common in passenger service.

A passenger train is one which includes passenger-carrying vehicles which can often be very
long and fast. One notable and growing long-distance train category is high-speed rail. In order
to achieve much faster operation over 500 km/h (310 mph), innovative Maglev technology
has been researched for years. In most countries, such as the United Kingdom, the distinction
between a tramway and a railway is precise and defined in law. The term light rail is sometimes
used for a modern tram system, but it may also mean an intermediate form between a tram
and a train, similar to a heavy rail rapid transit system except that it may have level crossings.

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A freight train (also known as a goods train) uses freight cars (also known as wagons or trucks)
to transport goods or materials (cargo). Freight and passengers may be carried in the same train
in a mixed consist.

Rail cars and machinery used for maintenance and repair of tracks, etc., are termed
maintenance of way equipment; these may be assembled into maintenance of way trains.
Similarly, dedicated trains may be used to provide support services to stations along a train line,
such as garbage or revenue collection.

Bogies:

Railroad truck (bogie) with journal bearings

A bogie is a wheeled wagon or trolley. In mechanics terms, a bogie is a chassis or framework

carrying wheels, attached to a vehicle. It can be fixed in place, as on a cargo truck, mounted on
a swivel, as on a railway carriage or locomotive, or sprung as in the suspension of a caterpillar
tracked vehicle. Usually, two bogies are fitted to each carriage, wagon or locomotive, one at
each end. An alternate configuration often is used in articulated vehicles, which places the
bogies under the connection between the carriages or wagons. Most bogies have two axles, as
this is the simplest design, but some cars designed for extremely heavy loads have been built
with up to five axles per bogie. Heavy-duty cars may have more than two bogies using span
bolsters to equalize the load and connect the bogies to the cars. Usually, the train floor is

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at a level above the bogies, but the floor of the car may be lower between bogies, such
as for a double decker train to increase interior space while staying within height
restrictions, or in easy-access, stepless-entry, low-floor trains.

Motive power:

The first trains were rope-hauled, gravity powered or pulled by horses. From the early
19th century almost all were powered by steam locomotives. From the 1910s onwards
the steam locomotives began to be replaced by less labor-intensive and cleaner (but
more complex and expensive) diesel locomotives and electric locomotives, while at
about the same time self-propelled multiple unit vehicles of either power system
became much more common in passenger service. In most countries dieselization of
locomotives in day-to-day use was completed by the 1970s. Steam locomotives are
still used in a few locales where coal and labor are cheap, most notably the People's
Republic of China. Steam powered Heritage railways are operated in many countries
for the leisure and enthusiast market.

Electric traction offers a lower cost per mile of train operation but at a higher initial
cost, which can only be justified on high traffic lines. Since the cost per mile of
construction is much higher, electric traction is less viable for long-distance lines with
the exception of long-distance high-speed lines. Electric trains receive their current
via overhead lines or through a third rail electric system.

A recent variation of the electric locomotive is the fuel cell locomotive.[4] Fuel cell
locomotives combine the advantage of not needing an electrical system in place, with
the advantage of emission less operation. However, there is a substantial initial cost
of such fuel cell vehicles.

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History:
In the past, train travel was quite an uncomfortable experience. Without sleeping and
dining cars, long distance traveling used to be a harrowing experience. Things
changed when Pioneer was introduced by Pullman in 1864. In 1867, "Hotel Cars"
were introduced. Pioneer was the first railway carriage to introduce dining cars and
sleeping cars in train leading to more comfort during travelling, especially on long
distance journeys. Pullman Car Company was founded in 1880 and was one of the
leading luxury passenger railroad car providers.

Another person credited with the beginning of luxury train travel was Georges
Nagelmackers, founder of the Compagnie International des Wagons-Lits. Inspired by
the Pullman trains during his America visit, Nagelmackers returned to Europe and
built a fleet of over 30 luxury trains which offered luxury train travel across several
destinations in Europe. He is credited with the beginning of the age of luxury trains
and grand hotels.

Since the dawn of the age of luxury trains, the most famous and revered luxury train
is perhaps the legendary Orient Express, immortalized by Agatha Christie in her book
“Murder on the Orient Express.” Orient Express was the first luxury train in Europe.
It embarked on its maiden journey on 5 June 1883 from Paris' Gare de l'Est across
Europe. Today the Orient Express not only provides luxury train travel across Europe
but several destinations around the globe. Besides Orient Express, a number of private
operators as well as joint ventures between government parties and private tour
operators are providing luxury train travel options in several countries.

The true marker of success of an idea or a concept is when we decide to trace its roots,
and in the same lines to call our palatial ride of the Maharajas Express Train as merely
a success story would be a disappointing understatement. The Maharajas Express is a
celebrated luxury train well-recognized, and awarded globally, but is still a luxury
train nonetheless. The first luxury train from India was the Palace on Wheels which
is the fourth best luxury ride around the world.

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The train was first introduced by IRCTC on 1982, And since then India has been
known widely for having an assortment of luxurious regal rides on tracks to tillage
the guests with a glimpse of the bygone era of the Maharajas.

LUXURY TRAINS:

Luxury trains are special trains designed specifically to offer an elegant train ride,
and evoke a strong sense of association as in history, heritage and decadence of a
leisurely ride. Luxury trains operate in several countries and offer a luxurious and
comfortable traveling option to luxury travelers. Whereas some luxury trains like the
Orient Express promote tourism in major destinations of an entire continent other
trains take guests on a long leisure ride, cutting across state borders but limited to one
specific country.

Nowadays there is an increase in the trend of luxury train travel around the world.
Luxury train travel proponents assert that it has several advantages over travel on
airplanes. Whereas during air travel the monotony of the journey is occasionally
broken by the view of clouds through the plane's window, a winding luxury ride on
board the trains provides ample opportunity to the guests to witness the local
environment, social and economic conditions, and myriad colors of the places they
are traveling to. There are a number of reasons for the growing popularity of the
luxury trains over air travel, which includes ample space, restaurants and bars,

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spacious and comfortable sleeping and seating area and even wash/bath rooms. Since
the time of introduction of Pioneer in 1864 by American industrialist George
Mortimer Pullman, luxury train travel has come a long way.

LUXURY TRAINS IN INDIA

The Palace on Wheels:
The Palace on Wheels is a luxury tourist train. It was launched by the Indian Railways to promote
tourism in Rajasthan, and has been highly popular since its launch. The train service was
refurbished and relaunched in August 2009 with a new decor, itinerary and cuisine. The concept
of the Palace on Wheels was derived from the royal background of the coaches, which were
originally meant to be the personal railway coaches of the erstwhile rulers of the princely states of
Rajputana, Gujarat, the Nizam of Hyderabad and the Viceroy of British India. Each coach has four
cabins (named chambers or saloons by the company) with twin beds, wall-to-wall carpeting, air-
conditioning, DTH satellite television, channel music, intercom, attached toilets, running hot and
cold water, with personal attendants.

Pic: The palace on wheel

Travelling on the Palace on Wheels is one of the memorable ways to explore India's stately
splendour. The carriages have been refurbished as replicas of the original saloon carriages of the
Maharajas.

Enjoy international cuisine, relax in the library, have a drink at the bar, or just retreat into your
extensive cabin and watch the tapestry of the Rajasthan countryside unfold.

The efficient traditional liveried staff take care of everything one can think of, from
accommodation, food, organized guided tours to shopping; there is nothing left to chance for
passengers on The Palace on Wheels.
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The Maharaja Express:
The Maharaja Express is a luxury train owned by the Indian Railways Catering and
Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) and operated from early 2010. The train used to be a
joint venture between Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation but after the
verdict of the High Court and Supreme Court of India the train now belong
exclusively to the IRCTC. The IRCTC are the owners of the Maharajas Express
Train[10] The reintroduced Maharaja Express train offers 5 itineraries, all of which
either begin or end in Delhi and include a visit to the Taj Mahal in Agra. Each
morning, the train arrives at a different station for off-rail excursions, including visits
to monuments, heritage sites, shopping, palaces, forts, and hotels. New itineraries
announced by the operators of Maharajas Express include 3 pan-Indian journeys and
2 golden triangle tour itineraries covering Delhi, Jaipur and Agra. The Maharaja
Express is the most expensive luxury train in India.

Pic: Maharaja Express

Maharaja Express has been awarded as The World’s Leading Luxury Trains at the
World Travel Awards, 2012. It the most luxurious train to explore India and its
culture. The train can accommodate a total of 88 members only, and is famous for its
dining facilities and off-train excursion program. The train features two restaurants
that leave the guests spellbound by its hand painted fresco ceiling. It has two bars
namely ‘The Rajah Club’ and ‘Safari Bar’ which provide guests to enjoy drinking

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with relaxed and comfortable sitting complementing the good range of spirits and
wines. The train takes its passengers to famous tourist places of North India including
Jodhpur, Bikaner, Jaipur, Varanasi and Agra.

The latest luxury train offering in India, Maharajas Express is considered

to be the India's answer to the Orient Express of the West. Flagged off in
2010, Maharaja Express offers 5 pan-Indian itineraries crisscrossing across
some of the most fascinating terrains in India and covering some of the most
prominent tourist destinations across India.

About the Train

Cabins

Maharajas Express comprises of 14 guest carriages which can accommodate

88 guests on board. There are 20 Deluxe Cabins, 18 Junior Suites, 4 Suites
and a plush Presidential Suite offering elegant living comparable to 5 stars
living.

Some of the amenities that set Maharaja Express apart are the Wi-Fi
internet, LCD TVs and direct dial phones in each cabin. Besides, spacious
en-suite bathrooms with showers, private butler and 24*7 room service
ensure that your journey never fall short of the high standards set by the
train. The coaches are set with features such as:

• Centrally air conditioning

• Interiors fusing the classical Indian royalty and modern sophistication
• LCD television with satellite connection
• Writing Desk
• Private Bath
• Padded beds
• Direct dial phones
• Electronic safe

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Guest cabins

14 carriages with 43 individual cabins provide seating and sleeping capacity for 88
guests. There are 20 Deluxe Cabins, 18 Junior Suites, 4 Suites and a Presidential Suite
offering 5-star equivalent accommodation. Both the Suites and the Presidential suite
has a bathtub in the toilet, in addition to the bath cubicle LCD televisions, eco-
friendly toilets, direct dial phones, DVD player, internet, individual climate control
and electronic safes are available in each guest cabin.

There are 5 carriages in the category of Deluxe Cabins, a total of 20 cabins

accommodating 40 passengers (there are 12 Twin bed cabins and 8 double bed
cabins). There are a total of 18 cabins in the category of Junior Suites, accommodating
36 passengers (there are 12 Twin bed Cabins and 6 Double bed cabins). Additionally,
there are four Suites available, having large separate sitting and sleeping areas. A
Presidential suite built on an entire rail carriage, incorporating a separate sitting-cum-
dining room, a master bedroom and bathroom with shower and bathtub, a twin
bedroom and bathroom with shower. The Maharajas’ Express Presidential Suite is the
first such a rail carriage of its kind in the world for commercial use.

Dining

Seating 42 passengers at once, two dining cars on board Maharajas Express

serve an array of delectable cuisines to the guests. Impeccable interiors and
gracious hospitality ensure that you get to dine like a royalty on board
Maharajas Express. Besides the Table-d'hôte meals included in the fair
guests can also avail of a la carte menu and en-suite private dining.

For the wine connoisseurs and revelers, there an urbane Safari Bar to take
care of you in a suave yet laid back ambience with meticulous concoctions
of domestic and international brands of wine and liquors.

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Mayur Mahal

The Sitting Lounge of the Palace on Wheels is the perfect place to forget your
tiredness of the day’s sightseeing. Just sit back, relax and admire the comfortable
ambiance. You can also have a little chit-chat session with your fellow passengers.

Safari Bar

The lounge bar housed within Maharaja Express that guests can visit in order to
unwind in a perfectly nonchalant yet suave ambiance after a tiring day of sightseeing
and travel. The well-stocked bar and an array of tantalizing starters and snacks will
surely help lift your spirits. The interiors of the bar are based on the motif of
adventure as the name suggests.

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Royal Rajasthan on Wheels:

The Royal Rajasthan on Wheels is designed and embroidered in a contemporary royal style to
experience the existing regal luxury, taste a slice of royalty and enjoy a royal feast onboard, where
every moment is woven together into an everlasting and immemorial experience to be lived and
cherished forever. The magic of the splendid journey to the land of kings, majestic forts, incredible
palaces, temple towns, diverse cultures and varied landscapes starts from Delhi. Discover the
adventurous escapades to the wilds of Ranthambore, visit to the magical destination of Udaipur,
perceive the intriguing sagas of forts and palaces of Jaipur, glimpse the art and sculpture of the
temple of Khajuraho, on to the spiritual experiences at Varanasi and see the wonder of the world
at Agra.

About the Train:

Saloons :

The Train has 14 passenger coaches. The 13 coaches have three Deluxe Saloons on each coach
and 14th coach has 2 Super Deluxe Saloons. Each deluxe saloon has different color theme of
exquisite jewels like Ruby, Pearl and Sapphire.

Super Deluxe Suites offers a spacious living with complete comfort of royal suites. The exquisite
silk and velvet bedspreads and draperies take you to an era of royal living. The finely carved
wooden furniture adds to your experience. These spacious suites are named after jewels “Emerald”
and ‘Diamond’. These saloons offer luxuries with bedding, upholstery, study table and chair to
make your stay comfortable

Each coach is named after the famous places of Rajasthan namely Hawa Mahal, Chandra Mahal,
Surya Mahal, Moti Mahal, Sukh Mahal, Jal Mahal Padmini Mahal, Kishori Mahal, Phool Mahal,
Jogi Mahal, Kumbha Palace, Lalgarh Palace..

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Restaurants: The train has two restaurants namely ‘Swaran Mahal’ amd ‘Sheesh Mahal’. These
restaurants offer you mouth watering delicacies ranging from ethnic Rajasthani, Indian,
Continental and Chinese Cuisines. The entire restaurant is made of wood and crystal. Amidst
aesthetic splendor, feast on your delicious meal with customized hand made cutlery and specially
designed crockery.

Bar : Finest wines and international brands of liquor are available on the two restro-lounges.

Spa : After the full day of sight seeing one can have the finest spa services on board. The spa will
provide relaxation and wellness solutions on board with personal care products. The spa can offer
you various massages and therapies on board.

Facilities

• Saloon
• Dining & Cuisines
• Bar & Lounge
• Souvenirs
• Spa
• Hospitality

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The Golden Chariot:

The lands once ridden by formidable armies is now traversed by the world's unique luxury train.
The Golden Chariot beckons you to discover worlds that are enriched with history and culture.
Recline and relax as the magnificent scenery unfolds outside your window with luxury on the inside,
thus far reserved for royalty. They present the Golden Chariot - a fine balance between a glorious
yesterday and on omnipresent tomorrow in a magical land... Karnataka, Goa, Tamil Nadu, Kerala.

Facilities:

Designed & operated on the lines of World famous Palace On wheels Train Tour; The Golden
Chariot(Golden Chariot Train)/Southern Splendour Train offers Eleven luxuriously furnished Air-
Conditioned Saloons of 4 sleeping chambers(Cabins) each, Two Dining Cars, One Bar Lounge
,Business Centre, Mini Gymnasium & Ayurvedic Spa.

1. Passenger Saloons :

The Interiors of the Saloon are inspired by the intricately carved Hosalya temple architecture
dating back to 12th century.

Total 44 Air-Conditioned cabins in 11 inter-connected saloons are combination of 26 Twin

Bedded Cabins,17 Double bedded Cabins & One Cabin for Physically Challenged.

Each Cabin offers small wardrobe, vanity desk, LCD Televisions, Electric sockets with 220
AC for recharging batteries; & private washroom having 5 Star Hotel accessories.

2. Restaurant Coaches :

The interiors of the Two Dining Cars (called Nala & Ruchi) are inspired by the royal
aesthetics of Hampi & Halebid temples. There is a wide spread of vegetarian and non-
vegetarian culinary delights available.

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 3. Lounge Bar Coach:

The plush & royal interiors of the Cigar Bar Lounge (called Madira) are modelled after the
early 20th century Mysore Palace.

4. Spa & Gym Facility:

There are Two massage rooms ,for the traditional & age old Ayurvedic massages, said to
offer definite cures for modern day fatigue & stress. Also available is a fully equipped
Gymnasium.

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Deccan Odyssey Train

Experience the finest and the best of train journeys of the world. The Deccan Odyssey is more than
a mere luxury train cruise. A lavishly decorated train that transports its guests on an unforgettable
sojourn on different itineraries covering different parts of the country. Facilities onboard include
channel music, intercom, CD/MP3 player, wall-to-wall carpeting, money exchange / credit card
facility, safety & security arrangements, health spa, bar, conference equipment’s.

Pic: Deccan Odyssey

Deccan Odyssey comprises of 21 luxuriously appointed coaches. Out of these 21 coaches,

11 are to accommodate guests and the rest are used for different purposes such as dining,
lounge, conference car and health spa. Inspired by the imperial carriages used by the
Maharajas of the yore for traveling, each of the coaches of this luxury train is inspired from
a different royal era of Maharashtra ruled by diverse dynasties.

All the cabins of Deccan Odyssey are fully equipped with facilities like air -conditioning,
internet connectivity and personalized guest amenities that make sure that your journey
would be a comfortable and memorable one. Moreover, the multi -cuisine restaurant, well
stocked bar, high-tech conference cart and a spa & massage cabin onboard add on the colors
of merriment to your entire jaunt.

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References:

1. "Indian Railways to introduce Luxurious Anubhuti Coaches".

2. ^ "The Best Luxury Train in India to Travel".
3. ^ "The world's top 25 luxury trains - Rediff.com Business". Rediff.com. Retrieved 2010-
12-04.
4. ^The Deccan Odyssey Train
5. ^ "Golden Chariot train's first commercial run on March 10". The Times of India. 2008-02-
28. Retrieved 2009-04-21.
6. ^ "The Golden Chariot : Introduction". The Golden Chariot: Official website.
Retrieved 2009-04-21.

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