The picturesque landscapes of Kashmir have long lured travelers from around the globe, offering a captivating blend of natural beauty and tranquility. In a strategic move to accommodate the growing number of visitors to the Kashmir Valley throughout the year, Indian Railways is embarking on an exciting initiative by introducing Vistadome services in the region.
The Banihal-Baramulla section of the Indian Railways, famed for its spectacular journey across the Pir-Panjal Himalayan ranges and the scenic Kashmir Valley is set to witness a significant enhancement in the travel experience. This development aims to provide passengers with an unforgettable opportunity to immerse themselves in the region’s breathtaking natural beauty.
On Thursday, Union Minister of Railways, Communications, Electronics, and Information Technology, in the presence of the Lieutenant Governor of Jammu & Kashmir, Manoj Sinha, and other esteemed dignitaries, introduced the Valley’s inaugural Vistadom Coach.
This state-of-the-art train promises an advanced and contemporary travel experience for both local passengers and tourists exploring the picturesque region of Kashmir.
Vistadome coach’s design, which boasts wide windows, revolving chairs, and a glass rooftop, offeris passengers a panoramic view of the surrounding landscape. The Vistadome coach is designed to provide a 360-degree view of the train expedition, featuring expansive glass windows and swiveling seats”
Speaking via video conferencing, Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw underscored the substantial transformation in Jammu and Kashmir over recent years under the dynamic leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
He highlighted the rapid development in the region following the abrogation of Article 370, including the recent hosting of G20 meetings in the Union Territory.
Notably, Vaishnaw also emphasized the successful completion of development projects like the Chenab Bridge, Anji Bridge, and tunnels in Jammu and Kashmir, signifying a comprehensive transformation of the North Eastern states.
Addressing the press at Srinagar railway station, LG Manoj Sinha described the Vistadom Coach as a technologically advanced train, featuring rotating seats, power sockets for charging, transparent glass roofs and windows, and automatic doors equipped with sensors.
“This state-of-the-art addition promises to enhance the travel experience for all those who explore the beautiful region of Jammu and Kashmir,” he said, expressing his gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for introducing Vistadome train services in the Kashmir Valley. He also thanked Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw for elevating the travel experience of people and tourists.
Sinha stated, “The Vistadome services will have a profound impact on tourism and contribute to the economic growth and cultural enrichment of the region. Vistadome is a symbol that facilities available in developed countries are now accessible to the people of J&K.”
He went on to explain that the Vistadom Coach offers a contemporary travel adventure for both local commuters and tourists in the Valley, allowing travelers to intimately connect with the natural beauty as they journey through Budgam, Qazigund, and Banihal.
The LG detailed the Vistadome coach’s design, which boasts wide windows, revolving chairs, and a glass rooftop, offeris passengers a panoramic view of the surrounding landscape.
“The Vistadome coach is designed to provide a 360-degree view of the train expedition, featuring expansive glass windows and swiveling seats,” he explained.
Sinha also noted that the newly introduced train will operate on the route from Budgam to Banihal, stating that it is just a matter of time before the railway network connects Kashmir to Kanyakumari. He remarked, “The introduction of the Vistadom Coach represents another significant step in the developmental journey of Jammu and Kashmir.”
The LG highlighted that since the G-20 summit, there has been a remarkable 350 percent increase in foreign tourist arrivals in Jammu and Kashmir. The region has already welcomed 1.70 Crore tourists up to September 30 this year, and the administration aims to achieve a total of 2.25 Crore tourist arrivals by year-end.
Furthermore, Sinha stated that the new train is set to create employment opportunities for the youth in Budgam, Qazigund, and Banihal, thanks to the prevailing peace that has motivated them to actively participate in the region’s developmental initiatives.
On the occasion, Himanta Biswa Sarma, Chief Minister of Assam, lauded the Prime Minister’s commitment to the development of Jammu and Kashmir and the North Eastern states since assuming office.
“This venture underscores Indian Railways’ commitment to offering passengers a unique and captivating travel experience, showcasing the rich and diverse beauty of the Kashmir Valley. As the Vistadome services make their debut in this captivating region, travelers can look forward to a journey that allows them to connect with the natural splendor of Kashmir like never before”.
Fares Fixed for Vistadome by Northern Railways: Chief Area Manager (CAM) Kashmir, Saqib Yousuf Yatoo (IRTS), told exclusively Kashmir Horizon that the strategic placement of the Vistadome coach was carefully chosen to optimize passengers’ scenic viewing experiences, ensuring an exceptional travel adventure.
Saqib said for a one-way journey, ticket prices are set at 940 rupees from Budgam to Banihal. Passengers seeking a round-trip experience need only pay 1880 rupees.”
He said passengers embarking on this picturesque journey will depart from Budgam at 9:10 AM, traversing the stunning route to Banihal. The train will make stops at Srinagar, Awantipora, Anantnag, and Qazigund before arriving at Banihal at 11:05 AM, Saqib said.
“For the return journey in the evening, the train will depart from Banihal at 4:50 PM, reaching Budgam at 6:35 PM. This schedule is thoughtfully designed to accommodate the preferences of tourists traveling to the region’s various tourist spots, providing flexibility and convenience,” he added.
The CAM explained that the Vistadome coach is a specially designed railway carriage that offers passengers a panoramic view of the surrounding landscapes. With a seating capacity of 40 passengers, the coach boasts wide windows, revolving chairs, and a glass roof, ensuring that travelers can enjoy uninterrupted views of the breathtaking surroundings throughout the journey.
Kashmir’s enchanting landscapes have long been a magnet for tourists from around the world, drawn by the region’s natural beauty. In response to the increasing number of travelers to the Kashmir Valley in all seasons, Indian Railways has introduced Vistadome services in the region.
The Banihal-Baramulla section of the Indian Railways is renowned for its splendid journey across the Pir-Panjal Himalayan ranges and the Kashmir Valley, making the addition of the Vistadome coach a highly anticipated and exciting development for travelers.
This new Vistadome coach promises to redefine the travel experience for those exploring the stunning vistas of Kashmir, offering an extraordinary way to immerse themselves in the region’s natural beauty.
The inaugural ceremony was attended by Ashwini Vaishnaw, Minister of Railways, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha Junaid Azim Mattu, Mayor of Srinagar, Dr. Farooq Abdullah, Member of Parliament, Lok Sabha, and Aftab Malik, Chairman of the District Development Council (DDC) Srinagar.
The event also saw the presence of Shri A.K. Singhal, Additional General Manager of Northern Railway, Shri Sanjay Sahu, Divisional Railway Manager of Firozpur, Shri Sandeep Gupta, Chief Administrative Officer/C USBRL, and other senior officers from Northern Railway and Firozpur Division.
The introduction of Vistadome services will not only meet the increasing demand from tourists but also enable travelers to enjoy the stunning vistas in a more engaging and immersive manner. With wide windows, revolving chairs, and a glass roof, the Vistadome coaches promise a panoramic view of the surrounding landscapes. The region’s enchanting charm will come to life as passengers traverse this scenic route.
This venture underscores Indian Railways’ commitment to offering passengers a unique and captivating travel experience, showcasing the rich and diverse beauty of the Kashmir Valley. As the Vistadome services make their debut in this captivating region, travelers can look forward to a journey that allows them to connect with the natural splendor of Kashmir like never before.
