In a major boost to tourism, the Jammu Division has introduced a Vistadome coach on the extended service. The coach features a glass roof and large panoramic windows, allowing passengers uninterrupted views of Kashmir’s mountains, rivers, valleys and tunnels along the route, as per ANI reports. Passenger amenities in the Jammu Division of Northern Railway have been expanded with the extension of special train No. 04688/04687 from Budgam to Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra. The train, which earlier terminated at Banihal, will now operate up to Katra, improving rail connectivity within the region.
J-K: Vistadome coach introduced on Budgam-Katra special train; Service extended to Vaishno Devi Shrine
The move is intended to boost travel prospects for residents of the place and augment access for tourists visiting Kashmir. For example, by transporting passengers to Katra, which is a major travel hub in Jammu and Kashmir, the railway has improved access to both the Kashmir Valley and the Jammu region.
Introduction of Vistadome coach
Vistadome coaches, intended to improve scenic rail travel, already exist on tourist routes such as the Konkan Railway and Darjeeling Himalayan Railway. Their deployment within Kashmir will represent a new kind of improvement in terms of sightseeing possibilities, as there has never been a Vistadome coach in the Valley.
The Kashmir rail route traverses through mountain ranges, rivers, valleys, and numerous tunnels, thus making it one of the most scenic train routes in the country. The Vistadome coach allows the train passengers a more direct exposure to the views of the route, thus turning the train ride into a sightseeing experience.Read more: European Commission unveils first-ever EU Visa Strategy: What it means and how it could affect travel
Focus on connectivity
According to Principal Chief Commercial Manager of Northern Railway, Parveen Panday, the initiative aligns with Indian Railways’ service-oriented approach. Speaking to ANI, Panday said the extension is intended to provide better connectivity for local residents, particularly in areas where road access is limited. He stated that Indian Railways operates with a principle of service and that the extended train service will enable people to connect between stations more easily. He also noted that several stations in the region face challenges in road connectivity, and the rail link offers a dependable alternative. Panday further said that the move is expected to boost tourism in the region. The improved connectivity and addition of the Vistadome coach stand to greatly enhance the travel experience for visitors.Read more: Guess the place: There are no traffic lights in this capital city
Rail operations during snowfall
Asserting the need for railway infrastructure in the region, Panday referred to past winters when heavy snowfall led to disruptions in connectivity in Kashmir. He said that during such periods, access to the Valley was affected and movement of goods and passengers became difficult. However, he noted that recently, rail services have ensured the transportation of both passengers and a substantial quantity of goods to the region. This, he indicated, demonstrates the growing reliability and resilience of railway operations in Jammu and Kashmir.
Strengthening the travel experience
The extension of train No. 04688/04687 to Katra and the introduction of the Vistadome coach together represent a combined effort to strengthen regional connectivity and improve passenger amenities. The additional advantage for the residents is the facility of a more direct and convenient rail link, and for the tourist, especially going towards Kashmir or the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi shrine, it gives the advantage of another mode of transportation but in a better and more pleasant way. Now, with the Vistadome coach attached to the train, the passengers can witness the picturesque views of the Kashmir Valley, and the journey itself would be a vital part of the tourism experience. It may be perceived that the development represents the railways taking an important step towards developing passenger facilities within the Jammu Division, as well as reinforcing its position within the region.
