Bihar seems poised for a royal experience.

The Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) is toying with the idea of placing the state on the itinerary of the Maharajas’ Express, the luxury train service taking its passengers on a fascinating voyage across some of the finest destinations across India.

The service of this train had earlier been introduced in Bihar in 2010 but poor response led to its withdrawal the same year.

A senior official of IRCTC, New Delhi, said: “We are mulling to re-introduce the Maharajas Express on the Bihar circuit provided people patronise it.”

The fare varies depending on the choice of room preferred such as deluxe cabin, junior suite, suite and presidential suite.

On the reason behind the consideration, the official said: “Our research team has found out that people in Bihar spend handsome sums on tour and travel. Many go to European countries and spend good amount of money, so why would not they want to enjoy a better tour with the same money? At present, the train goes up to Varanasi. So it would not be difficult to touch Bodhgaya. We have done that in 2010 but then very few persons from Bihar showed interest and after some time we stopped the services.”

The train was introduced in March 2010 and its maiden journey was from Delhi via Varanasi, Bodhgaya and Dhanbad in Jharkhand.

The train now covers destinations like Khajuraho, Varanasi, Ajanta, Jaipur, Agra, Mumbai, Gwalior, Sawai Madhopur, Jodhpur and Bikaner. Only 90 people can travel at a time in this 12-coach train, which runs from September to April.

Its coaches are named after the precious gemstones like ruby, panna (emerald), diamond, pearl and others.

“It is a lifetime opportunity for any person in the world as it provides the best food menu from across the world, its lounge and bar cars like The Rajah Club and Safari Bar stocks exquisite range of wines besides its restaurants, Mayur Mahal and Rang Mahal. We always want to extend out arms and that’s the reason we are thinking of re-introducing the royal train. Once we are satisfied about the people’s response, the day would not be far when you see Maharajas Express touching the land of Buddha,” said the official.

A three-member team of IRCTC has gone to London to take part in a four-day World Tourism Market beginning Monday to promote Maharajas Express.