Jaipur, May 12, 2026 (Udaipur Kiran) — Rajasthan’s iconic luxury train Palace on Wheels will operate in May for the first time in its 45-year history. The royal train, which usually runs between September and April every year, will now continue service during peak summer following a special charter booking.
North Western Railway confirmed that the decision was taken due to rising demand and a special full-train booking. Officials said the luxury train has never operated in May earlier because temperatures in Rajasthan often cross 42 degrees Celsius during the month.
Launched on January 26, 1982, Palace on Wheels is regarded as India’s first luxury heritage train. The train is a joint initiative of Rajasthan Tourism Development Corporation and Indian Railways. It is known for offering domestic and international tourists a royal experience of Rajasthan’s culture, heritage and hospitality.
According to Amit Sudarshan, Chief Public Relations Officer of North Western Railway, a major nationalised bank has booked the entire train for a special journey in May. He said the booking reflects growing confidence in India’s tourism sector despite challenging global economic conditions.
The special tour will be conducted from May 20 to May 25, 2026. The train will depart from Safdarjung Railway Station and cover nearly 2,610 kilometres during the six-day journey.
The route includes major destinations such as Jaipur, Sawai Madhopur, Chittorgarh, Udaipur, Marwar Junction, Jaisalmer and Bikaner.
Operating under Indian Railways’ Bharat Gaurav Train Policy, the special service has been assigned train number 00290. The train will have 22 coaches, including royal saloons, super deluxe coaches, restaurant-cum-bars, kitchen, spa and staff coaches.
The 14 royal coaches are named after former princely states of Rajasthan, including Jaipur, Jodhpur, Udaipur, Bikaner, Bundi, Alwar and Jaisalmer.
Officials said the longest halt during the journey will be at Jaisalmer, where tourists will get an opportunity to experience the beauty of the Thar desert and the city’s heritage attractions.
Railway authorities described the May operation as a historic step and a positive sign for India’s tourism industry, highlighting the continued attraction of Rajasthan’s royal tourism heritage among travellers.
Bhupendra Singh Chundawat is a seasoned technology journalist with over 22 years of experience in the media industry. He specializes in covering the global technology landscape, with a deep focus on manufacturing trends and the geopolitical impact on tech companies. Currently serving as the Editor at Udaipur Kiran, his insights are shaped by decades of hands-on reporting and editorial leadership in the fast-evolving world of technology.
