In the late 1930s, Delhi’s Shamnath Marg (known as Alipur Road at the time) was a hub of activity. It was home to the Central Publicity Bureau of British India, overseen by the Chief Publicity Officer. Among the Bureau’s responsibilities was the promotion of cities like Delhi, especially those accessible by rail.
Unlike pilgrimage or commercial traffic, the railways had begun to identify a growing segment of 'luxury tourism' heading toward the imperial capital during the 1930s and 1940s. While the Bureau’s larger focus was on promoting the operations of the Indian State Railways across the country, Delhi featured prominently on the tourist circuit. Publicity officers maintained short guides and promotional literature and liaised with certified tourist agents.
Here’s what one such Indian State Railways guide had to say about luxury travel:
“If you wish to travel in luxury, take a private coach and see India in comfort. Stop when and where you like, for as long as you like. You can have your own personal servants and their direct continuous service, your private parlour and bedrooms, the meals you wish for cooked in the way you like. Consult any Tourist Agency or any of the Officers detailed above.”
The guide also featured a detailed map showing how Delhi could be reached by various railway lines—from Meerut, Agra, Bombay, and more. You can see that map here:
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