Railways throws open its luxury saloon cars for weekend trips from Kolkata

Kolkata: Imagine a premium holiday trip where not just the destination, but the journey itself is wrapped in luxury — a stay in a two-bedroom suite with attached baths, a fully equipped kitchenette and two attendants at your service.

This is what the Indian Railways is offering as part of its ‘Home on Wheels’ tour packages where you get a premium ride to four destinations in the eastern zone on its luxurious saloon cars, which were till now reserved only for its top officials and the railway minister.

Days after minister Piyush Goyal gave up the use of his designated saloon car, the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) has thrown open the doors to these special coaches. For a start, IRCTC is offering 2nights/3days tour packages to Dooars, Darjeeling, Puri and Ranchi.

A saloon car offers a spacious living room, two bedrooms with attached bathrooms and a well-equipped kitchenette. It can accommodate 6-8 people comfortably. The Sealdah-Alipurduar-Sealdah tour will cost Rs 2,59,875 including the cost of the saloon car, food, trips by car and hotel stay. The Sealdah-New Jalpaiguri (Darjeeling)-Sealdah tour is being offered for Rs 2,48,325.

There are round trips from Howrah as well. The one to Puri and back will cost Rs 2,42,550. Those opting for the Howrah-Ranchi-Howrah tour will have to pay the same amount.

Railways plans to offer longer tours to NE states

Incidentally, the first trip in a saloon car will be undertaken to Chakradharpur from Shalimar on Tuesday by one of the Shankaracharyas.

“These would be unique experiences, unlike people have ever had in this country. If eight people travel together, the cost per head is quite reasonable, given the kind of services offered. We have already placed a requisition to get the railway minister’s saloon and it will be refurbished and put to use. Other saloons used by officers will also be used. Very soon, we plan to start longer tours to the northeastern states. There would be separate tours for upper and lower Assam and other states,” said Debashis Chandra, group general manager, east, IRCTC.

Of the two bedrooms, one is designed like a hotel room while the other one is designed like an AC-I Class coupe. The attached bathrooms have hot/cold water and all modern fittings. The rooms have luggage racks, cupboards, writing tables, chairs and dressing tables. The airconditioned living-cum-dining room has luxurious settings with a television set and dining table. There is also a special place at the rear of the car from where occupants can enjoy the view through a special trailing window.

“The tour would start and end at either Howrah or Sealdah. People can also opt to use the kitchenette in the saloon car and get special meals cooked. We can supply all the ingredients and a cook. We shall also provide an AC attendant and a general one to take care of the guests and look after their needs,” Chandra added.