Amid tourism push, Vistadome train service extended till March end

Srinagar, Feb 28: Northern Railways on Friday announced an extension of the special Vistadome train service between Budgam and Banihal until March 31, 2025, citing efforts to enhance passenger travel and promote scenic journeys.
The extension, initially set to expire on February 28, 2025, comes as the region seeks to bolster tourism.
Himanshu Shekhar Upadhyay, Chief Public Relations Officer for Northern Railways, told Rising Kashmir that the extension was implemented for the convenience of rail passengers.
“The service, operating as train numbers 04688 (Budgam-Banihal) and 04687 (Banihal-Budgam), will continue to run daily except for Fridays, providing 27 additional trips,” he said.
CPRO Upadhyay said that the periodicity of these trains has been extended to meet the growing demand and provide a unique travel experience through the picturesque Kashmir Valley.
Vistadome coaches, known for their panoramic views, are designed to offer passengers an immersive experience of the region’s landscape. The extension is seen as a move to capitalize on the winter tourism season and maintain momentum into the spring months.
A senior railway official, speaking on condition of anonymity, highlighted the strategic design of the Vistadome coaches, stating they are “specifically designed to maximize passengers’ viewing experience, ensuring a truly memorable travel adventure.”
“For a one-way journey, ticket prices are set at ₹940 from Budgam to Banihal, while a round-trip can be enjoyed for ₹1,880,” the official confirmed.
The route details reveal a comprehensive service, beginning at Budgam and making scheduled stops at Srinagar, Awantipora, Anantnag, and Qazigund before reaching Banihal. The return journey, departing from Banihal in the evening, retraces the route back to Budgam.
“This schedule is thoughtfully crafted to suit the preferences of tourists exploring various attractions in the region, offering flexibility and convenience,” the official stated.
The Vistadome coach, with a 40-seat capacity, boasts wide windows, revolving chairs, and a glass roof, designed to provide uninterrupted views of the surrounding landscapes.
The service inaugurated on October 19, 2023, by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, was aimed to boost tourism and enhance rail travel in the region.