Inside President Murmu's Journey Aboard the Luxurious Maharajas' Express: A Glimpse into India's Presidential Train

President Droupadi Murmu journeyed from New Delhi to Mathura aboard the luxurious Maharajas' Express, widely recognized as one of the world's most opulent trains.

The Indian Railways arranged special coaches for the President's visit to Mathura, deploying an impressive 18-coach formation that includes luxury cabins, dining facilities, lounges, and dedicated security and staff coaches.

The presidential train differs significantly from standard railway services, featuring separate accommodations for the President's family and office personnel, alongside a dedicated medical coach equipped to handle any emergencies that might arise during transit.

This remarkable train configuration includes two engines, two railway coaches, two power cars, two luxury suites, a presidential suite, two lounges, a fully-equipped kitchen, two restaurants, three junior suites, and a specialized staff coach.

Each coach of the Maharajas' Express has been thoughtfully designated for specific functions and adorned with distinctive names, adding a personalized touch to the presidential transport.

The medical team occupies a suite named "Neelam," while the President's family resides in the "Hira" suite. The President herself travels in the "Navratna" suite, which offers all modern conveniences and amenities befitting her position.

Senior officials from the President's Secretariat travel in a lounge known as "Rajah Club" and enjoy their meals in the elegantly appointed "Mayur Mahal" restaurant. Notably, both the kitchen staff and restaurant personnel aboard the train come directly from Rashtrapati Bhavan.

A common area features a lounge named "Safari," while additional officials are accommodated in junior suites called "Gomad" and "Manik." Another dining facility serving the larger section of the train bears the name "Rang Mahal."

Railway officials are assigned to a junior suite named "Munga," and a dedicated staff coach houses the President's entourage. The overall atmosphere of the train evokes the ambiance of a miniature Rashtrapati Bhavan on rails.

The train provides comprehensive onboard catering with food and beverages readily available. It operates as a non-stop service except in emergencies, with full air-conditioning throughout all coaches. This specialized train serves exclusively for presidential travel.

During her visit to Mathura, President Murmu planned to offer prayers at the revered Shri Banke Bihari Mandir in Vrindavan, followed by visits to other significant religious sites, including the historic Shri Krishna Janmasthan Temple in Mathura.

The President's previous journey on this special train occurred in June 2023, when she traveled from Bhubaneswar to her hometown of Rairangpur in Odisha.