Luxury Train To Run For President Murmu's Visit To Mathura

New Delhi:

The Maharajas' Express, one of the world's most opulent trains, will be deployed by Indian Railways to transport President Droupadi Murmu from Safdarjung railway station in New Delhi to Vrindavan Road station near Mathura on Thursday morning.

During winter months, this luxurious train is typically operated by the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) for high-end tourism purposes.

According to a railway official, "The 18-coach formation will include 12 coaches from the Maharajas' Express, featuring a Presidential suite, deluxe suites, restaurants, lounges, and power cars to accommodate the President and her staff. Additionally, two standard AC coaches will be included for senior railway personnel accompanying the journey."

The official further explained, "Two locomotives will be assigned to the special train to guarantee uninterrupted service. While one locomotive will be in operation, the second will remain on standby to address any potential technical difficulties." Sources indicate that the train is scheduled to depart from Safdarjung station at approximately 8 am and arrive at Vrindavan Road station around 10 am.

"During her visit, President Murmu plans to worship at Shri Banke Bihari Mandir in Vrindavan, followed by visits to other sacred sites, including the Shri Krishna Janmasthan Temple in Mathura," the official noted.

"Since the Shri Krishna Janmasthan temple is located closer to Mathura Junction, the President will board the special train from there in the evening for her return journey," the official added.

Sources revealed that comprehensive instructions have been issued to senior railway officials, station masters, Railway Protection Force and Government Railway Force personnel, and other relevant staff to ensure their punctual presence at assigned duties throughout the entire route.

Railway sources mentioned that the origin and destination stations fall under two different railway zones—Northern Railway and North Central Railway—and both zones have been instructed to coordinate closely to ensure smooth and secure operations.

Previously, President Murmu undertook a special train journey in June 2023, when she traveled from Bhubaneswar to her hometown of Rairangpur in Odisha.