Luxury train Deccan Odyssey to resume ops from Sept 23

The itinerary for this luxury train journey will include a visit to Ajanta Ellora Caves in Aurangabad, offering tourists a chance to explore this UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) World Heritage site during its return journey to Mumbai. The cost for this luxurious journey has been fixed at Rs 6.5 lakh per person.

The MTDC has partnered with private operator Ebix, which will be responsible for managing the train operations for the next five years. The operator will pay Rs 1.64 crore in the first year, along with a revenue share of 2.5 per cent to the MTDC.

The revenue share percentage is likely to increase annually, said Shraddha Joshi Sharma, managing director of MTDC, adding that the train will initially operate with 16 coaches and the number of coaches would be increased to 21 later depending on the demand.

Deccan Odyssey will provide a royal travel experience to its predominantly international tourist clientele, including services such as dining, entertainment, accommodation, lounge facilities, and guided sightseeing tours. The train has recently undergone a refurbishment, including a new interior design. The revamp and upgrades were carried out at Wadi Bunder depot of the Central Railway in Mumbai.

Each coach of the Deccan Odyssey was inspired by a different royal era of Maharashtra, reflecting the diverse dynasties that once ruled the region. Deccan Odyssey — a brainchild of the MTDC — on January 16, 2004, brought a new turn to the Maharashtra tourism industry, with the inaugural ceremony of the regal journey of Deccan Odyssey from the Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus in Mumbai.

Interestingly, the world-famous Taj Group of Hotels also joined hands with Deccan Odyssey to offer the guests a five-star hotel facility onboard. Infact, each coach of Deccan Odyssey is celestially decorated, which gives an insightful view of the elegant travelling style of Maharajas from the bygone era.

The MTDC has obtained all the necessary permissions from the Indian Railways for the resumption of operations of Deccan Odyssey. India currently boasts five luxury train services including the Palace On Wheels, Golden Chariot, Royal Rajasthan On Wheels, Maharajas’ Express, and the upcoming one.

The resumption of Deccan Odyssey services is likely to offer tourists a unique and opulent way to explore the cultural and historical treasures of Maharashtra and northern India, said officials.