"We are trying to tie-up with certain groups, including the Oberoi Group and Cox and Kings (leading travel agency) to run a cross-country luxury train", Indian Railways Catering and Tourism Development Corporation Chairman P K Goel told PTI. He said a formal tie-up in this regard was yet to be finalised but "we hope to complete the consultation process by the end of the year".

The cross-country luxury train, Goel said, is planned to roll out from Mumbai and traverse the deserts of Rajasthan, which already is running the world famous Palace on Wheels.

From Rajasthan the train would take tourists to Agra, the city of Taj Mahal, and Gaya -- the birth place of Buddha and the new destination for tourists from South and South-East Asia. After Gaya, the train would proceed to the city of Joy, Kolkata.

The journey would be completed in 12-14 days and would have 5-star luxuries, including an on-board spa, a mini-conference compartment (chair car), atleast four restaurants for 30-persons providing varied delicacies, from both regional as well as International cuisine.

Likely to be named as Cox and Kings Express, the specially designed train would consist of 11-deluxe cars (coaches depicting various tourist zones) with adequate modern facilities, including attach bathrooms and a lounge.

Like Palace on Wheels, each car would have a double-bed cabin and a living room. The executive (presidential) suite would consist of two bed cabins, two attached baths, a living and dining room.

As per the primary discussion, it has been suggested that the train would be managed and operated by the Cox and Kings, who would have a majority stake in the joint venture project.

Having a capacity of about 100 passengers, the luxury train would pass though Mumbai (Maharashtra), Udaipur, Jodhpur, Jaipur (Rajasthan), Delhi, Agra, Jhansi (Uttar Pradesh), Khajuraho (Madhya Pradesh), Bodhgaya (Bihar), Varanasi (UP) and Kolkata (West Bengal).

Meanwhile, Goel said IRCTC is already in talks with the Oberoi Group of Hotels to run a train on the lines of Palace on Wheels in Rajasthan and the decision is pending before the Ministry.