'Queen' adds yet another feather to its cap

Ever since she started rolling from the year 1855, 'Fairy Queen' has been associated with records and awards all the way, the latest feather in her cap being the 'ISO-9001-2000'. The certificate has been given for maintenance and operation of the locomotive and coaches of the train.

"The certificate was received by the National Rail Museum this January. The ISO certificate is valid till August 2008. It proves the running efficiency of the train even after so many years," says Ak Das, assistant director, (administration) ministry of railways.

The train, certified by the Guinness Book of World Records as the world's oldest working locomotive, is still in "good" working condition. But the railways spare no effort in maintaining its prized possession.

"The periodical overhauling of the steam engine is done every third year at the perambur workshops of southern railway. The locomotive is used only during the tourist season to avoid running on unfavourable climatic conditions and partly due to shortage of commuters in the off season," the assistant director explains.

Currently running in the 120 km Delhi-Alwar strech, the oldest running vintage steam locomotive in the world will turn '151' in October.

This year's bookings for the train have already been thrown open to the public for the twice a month trip during the tourist season from October to February.

Rajasthan Tourism Corporation, which is also a party to the joint venture, asserts that the package also provides an insight in to the cultural heritage of the state. Its senior manager, Sanjeev Sharma opines- "..As we have included cultural shows and road travels through the inlands of rajasthan in the trip, foreigners could have a feel of the state."

"Foreign tourists are the main commuters. Their Indian counterparts do not show the same tenacity in undertaking the tour package" says das.

He asserts that the heritage train is quite famous with foreign nationals. "They collect details regarding the trip from our website and forward e-mail queries on the same. Often these people avail the facility of e-mail booking. Reservation of seats are also made via the international tourist bureau."

Unlike its previous endeavours like 'the Palace On Wheels' and 'the Royal Orient', the tourism department and railways assert that 'Fairy-Queen' is not a profit motive venture.

"Here, the aim is to showcase the rich heritage of Indian railways to the outside world. The business aspect comes only secondary." Das observes.

Last year, collections from the sixty seated luxury coach amounted to around 6.5 lakhs which was below par when one considers the cost of operation. According to Das "at times the train runs with some seats lying vacant. Since the fare is little high (Rs 7500 per seat), not many local folks evince interest. But the cost is justifiable given the quality of services provided. We are also mulling over the plan to popularise the tour package by giving more ads in magazines and newspapers."