Jodhpur: Prime Minister Narendra Modi today flagged off Rajasthan’s only heritage train — Valley Queen Heritage Train — during an event in Jodhpur. The PM also flagged off a new train – Runicha Express – connecting Jaisalmer to Delhi.
The Valley Queen Heritage Train promises not only a unique travel experience but also a glimpse into the rich heritage and history of Rajasthan’s railways. The special train has been given the shape of a 150-year-old steam engine to give it an attractive look. With this, the train service from Marwar Junction to Khamli Ghat, the Valley Queen Heritage Train, became operational from today. This is the first heritage train of the state and the sixth of the country.
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Along the route, it will make a stop at Goramghat, often referred to as the “Kashmir of Rajasthan.” Passengers aboard this train will get to witness natural wonders like the Bhil Beri Falls in Rajasthan and the Dudhsagar Falls on the Goa-Karnataka border.
The train’s interior has been adorned with Rajasthani folk themes and offers an opportunity for travellers to enjoy the picturesque vistas from their 360-degree rotating chairs. A three-sided observation porch has been constructed at the rear of the train, allowing tourists to stand and soak in the surrounding scenery.
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Rajasthan’s First Heritage Train Details
Route: The train will run from Marwar Junction to Khamlighat, the Valley Queen Heritage Train. It became operational from today. The train will depart from Marwar Junction at 8.30am and reach Khamlighat at 11 am via Phulad, Goram Ghat railway stations.
Stoppages: The train will halt for 10 to 15 minutes at every station. After a halt of three and a half hours at Kamli Ghat, it will depart at 3pm, and reach Marwar Junction at 5.40pm the same day.
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Fare: The 60-seater train will operate four days a week with a ticket cost of Rs 2,000 per person.
The Marwar Junction-Mavli junction railway line was made before Independence by two different royal families.
“The railway line from Mavli Junction to Phulad was constructed by the Maharana of Mewar (Udaipur) and the railway line from Marwar Junction to Phulad was constructed by the Maharaja of Marwar (Jodhpur). Before independence, separate trains of royal families used to run on this track and passengers changed trains at Phulad. Due to the construction of separate lines by both the royal families, the direction of the engine changed at Phulad station,” added an official.
