Katra: India’s first saloon coach with air-conditioned rooms, attached bathrooms and valet services started it’s journey on Friday from Old Delhi Railway Station. Six customers of a private tour company availed of the services of the saloon car facility — initially reserved only for railway officials. Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) officials told news agency PTI that the officials used the facility to reach remote areas not connected by road or air.
The saloons or inspection cars can accommodate two families and are adequately built to facilitate stay for up to five days. They comprise of two bedrooms, a lounge, a pantry, a toilet and a kitchen. The cost of chartering this saloon coach is around Rs 2 lakh, IRCTC said. The luxury coach has a living room, two air-conditioned bedrooms – one twin bedroom and the other similar to a AC First Class coupe with attached baths, dining area and a kitchen. The valet service will be chargeable in future.
