Indian Railways has taken steps to elevate the travel experience between Mumbai and Pune with Vistadome coaches between the two megacities of Maharashtra.

The journey between Mumbai and Pune continues through the Western Ghats, which is known for its scenic beauty with high mountains and deep valleys. Vistadome service on this route will commence from 26 June as Railways deployed Mumbai - Pune Deccan Express Special Train for the purpose.

“Mumbai-Pune-Mumbai via Vistadome: Enjoy the scenic beauty of the Western Ghats with the first ever Vistadome coach on this route. The Mumbai-Pune Deccan Express Special Train having the Vistadome coach is all set to be restored on this route from 26 June 2021,” Railways Minister Piyush Goyal said in a tweet.

The Vistadome coach has large glass windows, a glass roof, an observation lounge and rotatable seats allowing passengers to experience locations and sites en route.

The tourist coach is provided with a larger viewing area with 44 seats for passengers with rotation up to 180 degrees to face the direction of train movement. The coach also has a Wi-Fi-based passenger information system.

The glass windows of the Vistadome coaches have laminated glass sheets that will not shatter.

The Vistadome coaches will be made available only at tourist locations where passengers want to enjoy sightseeing.

Some of the routes where Vistadome coaches are being operated by the Indian Railways include Dadar and Madgaon, Araku Valley, Kashmir Valley, Darjeeling, Kalka-Shimla, Kangra Valley, Matheran Hill and Nilgiri Mountain.