Travelling in a train with two bedrooms, lounge, kitchen and toilet could soon be a reality, with the Railways exploring ways to facilitate such luxurious journeys. It will come at a price, though, which the officials say could be “exorbitant”.

Railways is set to give the public a taste of luxurious travel in its saloons, or inspection coaches, and is exploring ways to promote it.

In a first-of-its-kind meeting between Ashwani Lohani, Chairman, Railway Board, and travel and trade associations in Delhi on Thursday, the issue of how the luxurious saloons could be promoted was raised.

Lohani conceded that there was a demand for this kind of travel, and asked his officers to plan to make at least two such saloons available in Delhi for tourism purposes.

He also asked IRCTC to chalk out routes on which they can be made operational. Lohani also asked the Railways’ tourism and catering arm to come out with a brochure on such coaches.

Officials say that saloons or inspection cars, perfect for two families to travel, are adequately built to facilitate stay for up to five days. They comprise two bedrooms, a lounge, a pantry, a toilet and a kitchen.

They are now most commonly used by senior Railway officials to reach accident sites and remote Railway lines not connected by road or air.

The closest to this kind of luxury that a common passenger can avail is the tourist car, which can be booked by large groups, but has amenities essential only for an overnight journey.

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