Vistadome Coaches For Dehradun, Kathgodam And Kalka Trains Soon

Aiming at enhancing the experience of passengers to enjoy the scenic beauty of the region and also to boost the tourism sector, the Railways is proposing to introduce Vistadome coaches in Dehradun, Kathgodam and Kalka bound Shatabdi trains from the national capital shortly.

The Vistadome coaches are equipped with state of the art glass windows and all-glass roofs which provide a 360-degree view. According to the plan, 18-coach Shatabdi Express service for Dehradun, Kathgodam and Kalka destinations are to be added with a Vistadome coach in each of these trains to attract tourists.

A Chair Car coach has to be replaced with a 42-seat Vistadome, said a senior Railway official. However, according to the official, the fare of the Vistadome seat is expected to be a little more than the Executive Class of the Shatabdi service.

A Vistadome coach is estimated to cost Rs 3.5 crore, while the LHB coach is slated to cost Rs 2.5 crore.

The Vistadome coaches also have observation lounges for the purpose of site seeing. The rotational seats of the coach are designed to provide added comfort to passengers.

The Vistadome coaches are also to be provided with a digital entertainment system and Wi-Fi facilities. For the safety of passengers, CCTV cameras and a fire alarm system are also to be installed.

Currently, Vistadome coaches are running successfully in the Kalka-Shimla service, Araku Valley, Darjeeling and also on two popular routes —Guwahati-New Haflong in Assam and New Jalpaiguri-Alipurduar Junction in North Bengal.

Kevadia-Ahmedabad Janshatabdi Express is also being equipped with a Vistadome coach.

According to the railways, the introduction of the Vistadome coaches are meant to facilitate tourists experiencing a better view of the scenic beauty and to display the cultural heritage of the region along the route during the journey.