Rajasthan’s exclusive Valley Queen Heritage Train starts operation

Rajasthan October 07 dmanewsdesk: North Western Railway (NWR) officials have provided details about the train’s timetable. According to them, the train will leave Marwar Junction at 8:30 AM, arrive at Khamlighat at 11 AM, passing through Phulad and Goram Ghat railway stations with short stops of 10 to 15 minutes at each. After a 3.5-hour pause at Kamli Ghat, it will depart at 3 PM and return to Marwar Junction at 5:40 PM on the same day.

Rajasthan has welcomed its exclusive Valley Queen Heritage Train service, which started its operation from Marwar Junction to Khamlighat recently.
This heritage train, resembling a 150-year-old steam engine, will offer passengers a nostalgic journey. With a 60-seat Vistadome AC coach, the train will run four days a week, with tickets priced at INR 2,000 per person.

NWR officials shared the train’s schedule, stating that departing from Marwar Junction at 8.30 AM, it will reach Khamlighat at 11 AM via Phulad and Goram Ghat railway stations. The train will make brief stops of 10 to 15 minutes at each station. After a 3.5-hour halt at Kamli Ghat, it will depart at 3 PM and return to Marwar Junction at 5.40 PM on the same day, the officials added.

The Valley Queen Heritage Train is the sixth of its kind in India, offering a scenic route. According to Shashi Kiran, Chief Public Relations Officer of NWR, the existing track was used, but a new heritage train has been created with one chair car coach, and a diesel engine has been transformed to resemble a steam engine. This journey will take passengers through lush green valleys, hills, rare flora, and fauna.

The route features two, nearly century-old tunnels, and 172 bridges over water streams.

Notably, the existing meter gauge train from Marwar to Mavli will continue operating on this route, ensuring convenient connections for passengers.

Highlighting the historical significance of the rail lines, the officials further explained that the Marwar Junction-Mavli Junction railway line was established before Independence with contributions from two different royal families. The railway line from Mavli Junction to Phulad was constructed by the Maharana of Mewar (Udaipur), while the railway line from Marwar Junction to Phulad was constructed by the Maharaja of Marwar (Jodhpur).

Before independence, separate trains of the royal families used to run on this track, and passengers changed trains at Phulad. Due to the construction of separate lines by both royal families, the direction of the engine changed at Phulad station, the officials added.

The Valley Queen Heritage Train offers not only a distinctive travel experience but also a glimpse into the rich history and heritage of Rajasthan’s railways.

Source: TIMESOFINDIA.COM