Maharajas Express is operated by the Royale India Tours Ltd. (RIRTL), a joint venture between Cox and Kings India and the IRCTC. Recently IRCTC, the owners of the train had decided to terminate their agreement with the Cox and King following which Cox and Kind had appealed in the court of law. Whereas Cox and Kings India Ltd. were the petitioners in the case, IRCTC were the respondent.
In the recent ruling, the Hon’ble Judge of the High Court come observed that:
The present petition (O.M.P 609 2011) is thus disposed of with the following directions:
63 (a) For the period commencing from 14th September 2011 uptill 31st December 2011 which is the major period for which the bookings are effected by the petitioner and their agents in overseas countries, the train namely “Maharaja Express”” Train shall continue to run for the said period under the supervision of the learned receiver as per the arrangement which was continuing at the earlier season.
Further ruling also stated that:
63 (j) The petitioner or any of his agents shall make not any further bookings for the next season which is September, 2012 to April, 2013.
What this ruling means is that although the booking will not be accepted after 31st of December 2011, guests interested in taking this one of the most luxurious and sought after luxury train journey might book their tour till the season ending April, 2012.
Maharajas Express, dubbed the India’s answer to the Orient Express of the West is arguably the Asia’s most luxurious train. The train offers 4 different pan-Indian itineraries to the guest. The train can accommodate 88 guests in a total of 88 passengers in 14 guest carriages which includes a Presidential Suite spanning a whole carriage.
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| Maharajas Express Back on Track – A welcome relief for connoisseurs of luxury travel |
Maharajas Express is renowned in the international luxury travel fraternity for its opulence and impeccable hospitality. The train comes equipped with facilities such as LCD televisions, DVD players, direct dial phones, Wi-Fi internet and in house safe. Restaurants, bar, lounge with library and souvenir shop add to the overall travel experience of the guests. The unique feature of the train includes guest speaker with the likes of Sir Mark Tully, Michael Buerk and Vivek Singh taking on this mantle in past.
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| Rajah Club on board Maharajas Express – Refined nonchalance |
Although it is not sure how long this good news might last for the connoisseurs of luxury living, it’s a welcome relief that the journeys on board this ultra-luxe train is extended till April, 2011. So if you are looking to join the exclusive coterie of luxury travelers from around the world you need not wait any longer.
Latest update (January 2014): Maharajas’ Express train is now owned and operated by Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC). There are 5 journeys to choose from. Read more about the train and journeys here:
Contributed by Nikhil Chandra
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