Palace on Wheels Records 45% Passenger Growth in Challenging Year
Jaipur: The iconic Palace on Wheels luxury train has achieved a remarkable 45% surge in passenger traffic for the fiscal year 2025-26, defying global travel market uncertainties. This growth comes as the train operated 23 trips, transporting 854 passengers, and marks a significant milestone with its first-ever full-train charter in its 43-year history.
Historic Milestones and Passenger Statistics
In May, the train booked a full-train charter, which is expected to bring the total passenger count to 938 for the year. This represents a substantial increase from the 646 passengers recorded in 2024-25. Even when compared to the stronger base of 2023-24, which saw 802 tourists, the growth this year stands at an impressive 22%.
The Palace on Wheels offers a week-long journey that begins in Delhi and traverses Rajasthan's cultural heartland. The itinerary includes visits to Jaipur's majestic palaces, Ranthambore's tiger reserve, Chittorgarh's historic fort, Udaipur's serene lakes, Jaisalmer's desert citadel, Jodhpur's blue city, Bharatpur's bird sanctuary, and Agra's iconic Taj Mahal, before concluding back in the capital.
Strategic Shift to Corporate Segment
Bhagat Singh, director of Evident Travel Solutions Pvt Ltd (ETSPL), the operating partner for the train, highlighted the strategic pivot that contributed to this success. "In a year when international tourism has been clouded by Middle East tensions, the Russia-Ukraine conflict, and global economic uncertainty, we have managed to position the Palace on Wheels as more than just a luxury product. We have successfully added corporates as a thriving segment," he stated.
The first corporate charter was secured in April by two leading multinational FMCG companies, who used the train for a high-profile product launch. Singh noted that this move marked a departure from the train's traditional focus on foreign travelers. "Though the strategy to attract corporate clients for incentive tours, offsites, and product launches was always discussed as a concept, it only materialized now," he added.
A second charter, scheduled for May 20, 2026, has been booked by a leading nationalized bank, further cementing this new trend. This diversification helps reduce dependence on foreign tourist movement, which is often susceptible to geopolitical tensions and economic fluctuations.
Continued Focus on Overseas and Domestic Markets
Despite the successful foray into corporate travel, Singh emphasized that the overseas market remains a cornerstone for the Palace on Wheels. The train continues to be promoted aggressively at global travel marts and in domestic markets to sustain its appeal among international and local tourists alike.
This balanced approach, combining innovative corporate engagements with steadfast marketing efforts, has enabled the Palace on Wheels to thrive in a challenging global landscape, setting a new benchmark for luxury rail tourism in India.
