Vistadome Coach in Kashmir becomes tourist magnet after snowfall

Srinagar, Jan 06: After recent widespread snowfall, the Vistadome coach in Kashmir has emerged as a prime attraction for tourists nationwide, with railway officials reporting full bookings and anticipating high footfall this month.
The Vistadome Coach traverses a picturesque 90-kilometer route, journeying from Banihal to Budgam in central Kashmir, offering passengers captivating views through its transparent windows.
Abishek Kumar, a tourist from Uttar Pradesh, described his first-time train experience amidst snowy landscapes as “amazing” and “beautiful,” praising the coach’s top-notch facilities.
Kumar highlighted the comfort of the double-wide reclining seats with a 360-degree rotation feature, allowing travelers to revel in panoramic views of Kashmir’s stunning vistas.
Another tourist, Sachin Kumar said that it was an unforgettable experience to board the Vistadome Couch and enjoy the beautiful snowfall view of Kashmir valley.
“There are additional features including convenient power sockets for charging devices, a transparent glass roof and windows, automatic sliding doors equipped with sensors, luggage racks, LED lighting, and a GPS-enabled information system,” he added.
Chief Area Manager (CAM) Kashmir, Saqib Yousuf Yatoo (IRTS), told Rising Kashmir that the Vistadome coach’s placement has been strategically chosen to enhance passengers’ scenic viewing experiences.
“Post snowfall, we are witnessing good response from the passengers. We hope it will continue till February end. After that the footfall will increase in the month of March,” he said.
CAM Yatoo 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 this train will make stops at Srinagar, Awantipora, Anantnag, and Qazigund, eventually arriving at Banihal at 11:05 AM.
“For the return journey in the evening, the train departs from Banihal at 4:50 PM, reaching Budgam at 6:35 PM. This schedule is designed to accommodate the preferences of tourists traveling to various tourist spots, providing flexibility and convenience,” Yatoo added.
The CAM said Vistadome coach has 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.
On October 19, 2023, Jammu and Kashmir’s Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha, inaugurated the Vistadome Coach from the Srinagar railway station in Nowgam outskirts.
Earlier Minister for Railways Suresh Prabhu had announced a Vistadome coach for Kashmir and in 2018 a luxurious coach with glass ceiling reached the Valley and trials were also conducted successfully during that time.