In October 2023, the North Western Railways (NWR) introduced the Valley Queen train service, promising customers a picturesque journey and an unforgettable experience. However, the plan did not work out as planned. The NWR has now chosen to operate this train in Public Private Partnership (PPP) mode following the cancellation of many journeys because there were no reservations, Shashi Kiran, chief PRO of NWR, told The Indian Express. “A private contractor can provide good catering service, start attractive activities in the train which as a government department we can’t. We are doing our best and people will soon realise the true potential of this train. This will be beneficial,” Kiran said.
After receiving approval from Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the train was launched in October last year and began service from Marwar Junction in the Pali district to Khamlighat in the Rajsamand district. At a cost of Rs 1,800 per person, it was the sixth heritage train in the nation to be introduced with the intention of allowing passengers to take in Marwar’s breathtaking scenery. Just 400 people have made this trip in the last nine months, based on information from the NWR.
Prior to independence, the Marwar-Khamlighat rail segment was constructed in the scenic Aravali hills. The Railways have maintained the track at metre gauge in order to protect the legacy. The Valley Queen historical train features a chair car coach with air conditioning and a diesel engine that has been customised to look like a steam engine.
Passengers get breathtaking views of hills, lush green valleys, unusual plants and local wildlife while travelling.