A Grand Start to the Season with 77 Guests – Flagged Off by Shuchi Tyagi and Bhagat Singh Lohagarh* Neeti Gopendra Bhatt New Delhi : India's world-renowned luxury train, 'Palace on Wheels,' departed from New Delhi's Safdarjung Railway Station on Wednesday, September 9, for the first journey of this year's tourism season, showcasing a new royal style. At a grand flag-off ceremony held at Platform No. 1 of Safdarjung Railway Station, Shuchi Tyagi, Principal Secretary of the Rajasthan Tourism Department, and Bhagat Singh Lohagarh, Managing Director of Evident Travel Solutions Private Limited (ATSPL), flagged off the train for its new season journey. For this inaugural tour of the season, 77 guests set off on a journey through Rajasthan aboard the royal train. The group includes Indian tourists as well as visitors from the USA, UK, and Australia, including OCI (Overseas Citizen of India) guests from the USA. *The Royal Train Sports a New Look* Bhagat Singh Lohagarh, Managing Director of ATSPL, stated that several significant changes have been made to the Palace on Wheels to make the new season special and to enhance the passenger experience. The interiors of both the train's restaurants have been given a fresh, more opulent look, and the crockery has been completely upgraded. New curtains and other decorative elements have been used to make the train's interior even more attractive and majestic. In six of the train's cabins, carpets have been replaced with special marble flooring featuring attractive inlay work and intricate brass detailing. The train's walls now feature special decorative work in German silver and striking metalwork. These transformations will lend the rooms an appearance that is far more magnificent, elegant, and regal than before. Following these extensive upgrades, the ambiance of the 'Palace on Wheels' will offer travelers a fresh and memorable experience, blending Rajasthan's royal heritage with modern luxury. *Special Upgrades to the Dining Experience* Bhagat Singh Lohagarh stated that the dining experience for passengers has also been specially upgraded this season. The new menu features an exquisite blend of traditional and authentic Rajasthani and Indian dishes alongside international cuisine. Traditional Indian dishes will be served with a royal touch and a modern presentation. Meanwhile, a special range of international dishes has been included to cater to the preferences of foreign tourists. Thus, travelers will enjoy a unique culinary journey featuring royal Rajasthani flavors, traditional Indian dishes, and world-class international cuisine—all in a single trip. *Special Arrangements for Medical Health Check-ups* Lohagarh noted that while insurance facilities were already available for passengers, a special MoU has now been signed with Tata 1mg and the Tata Group, placing even greater emphasis on passenger health. Under this initiative, every guest traveling on the 'Palace on Wheels' will undergo a medical health check-up comprising approximately 76 different types of tests. This initiative is expected to provide passengers with better health insights and facilities during their journey while also boosting medical tourism in India. It marks a significant step towards connecting domestic and international tourists with India's medical facilities. *Astrological Experience Now Available on Board* Catering to the specific interests and requests of guests, the 'Palace on Wheels' will also offer the services of an experienced astrologer this season. Guests can have their horoscopes analyzed based on their date of birth and birth details, and receive insights regarding their zodiac signs, planetary alignments, and future prospects, along with astrological guidance. This initiative aims to add a novel and personalized dimension to the 'Palace on Wheels' journey. *First Four Tours Sold Out* The new season of the 'Palace on Wheels' has received an excellent response right from the start, with the first four tours already sold out. Early bookings and the enthusiastic response from travelers have further raised expectations for this season. The management believes that, with the new changes, improved amenities, and enhanced services, this season could prove to be spectacular and record-breaking for the 'Palace on Wheels'. *A Royal Welcome in a Unique Style at Every Stop* Special cultural and royal programs have been curated in various cities to welcome guests traveling on the 'Palace on Wheels'. In New Delhi, a grand welcome awaited them, featuring a royal pipe band and traditional floral garlands. Meanwhile, in Jaipur, guests will be greeted in true Rajasthani style with *Kachhi Ghodi* performances, *Shehnai* music, floral garlands, and elephants. In Chittorgarh, the welcome will reflect Rajasthan's cultural traditions, featuring the traditional *Ghodi* (horse) performance. Udaipur will host a traditional Rajasthani welcome accompanied by the resounding beats of *Dhol-Nagadas* (drums). In Jaisalmer, guests will be welcomed with special performances of *Kalbelia* dance and traditional folk music, while Jodhpur will offer a grand welcome featuring a brass band. *A Blend of Royal Heritage and Modern Experience* Bhagat Singh Lohagarh stated, "The 'Palace on Wheels' is not merely a luxury train; it is a moving experience that embodies Rajasthan's royal heritage, culture, traditions, and hospitality. For the new season, special enhancements have been made across several areas, including the train's interiors, restaurants, crockery, saloons, and culinary offerings." He added, "Our aim this time is to ensure that every guest traveling on the 'Palace on Wheels' enjoys an experience that is even better and more memorable than before. Alongside changes to the interiors and dining, we have also prioritized health services and the personal preferences of the passengers. The initial response has been extremely encouraging, and we are confident that this will prove to be a magnificent and record-breaking season for the 'Palace on Wheels'." Members of the 'Palace on Wheels' management and operations teams were also present at the launch event. The participation of guests from diverse countries and regions underscores the international popularity of the 'Palace on Wheels' and the growing allure of Rajasthan for foreign tourists.