Modi inspires new Indian luxury train

Worldwide Rail Journeys is planning to launch a new luxury train in India, based on Narendra Modi’s vision to build a ‘Statue of Unity’ in Gujarat.

The company said the new train, to be named ‘Unity Express’, will celebrate the diversity of India’s various states, with themed carriages and cultural shows.

“The inspiration for this ambitious project is derived from the massive win of our Prime Minister Mr Narendra Modi in the recent polls,” explained Manish Saini, director of Worldwide Rail Journeys.

“His victory signifies a new kind of unity across India, the like of which has never been witnessed before. It shows that even though there is diversity of ethnic cultures as you travel the length and breadth of India, the people are united by shared ties of belonging to one great nation. We plan to launch the ‘Unity Express’, which will take global tourists across the diverse map of India,” he added.

The new luxury train will feature themed carriages designed to represent India’s states, including Punjab, Gujarat, Rajasthan and West Bengal. Journeys will be planned so that when the train arrives in any state, guests will be treated to local cultural shows, while trips will be offered to local landmarks. Onboard dining will feature traditional dishes from each region.

The Unity Express will have private, air-conditioned guest cabins, a dining car and lounge.

Worldwide Rail said it is “finalising the itinerary, duration of the tour, the important stops and experiences” of the train. Initially the journeys will be offered aboard the existing ‘Royal Rajasthan on Wheels’ train from November 2015, but in the long run, a dedicated Unity Express train will be launched.

“We welcome people from across the world to take a royal trip aboard this train of unity and travel in a style befitting Maharajas. Each region of India has a distinctive culture, reflected in its language, lifestyle, attire, music, art and cuisine. Aboard this train, guests will get to experience the cultural tapestry of India,” Saini added.

Rising 182 metres, Narendra Modi’s planned ‘Statue of Unity’ in Gujarat will be the world’s tallest statue on completion, and is designed to reflect the unity of the Indian people.