Advertisement
When should a housing society in Mumbai start considering re...
From GST on JDAs to SEBI’s REIT reclassification and the S...
Stay ahead in the world of real estate with our daily podcas...
Stay ahead in the world of real estate with our daily podcas...
Northern Railway has extended its special train service, which previously ran between Budgam and Banihal, to now reach Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra. The extension includes a Vistadome coach featuring 360-degree rotating seats, large panoramic windows, and a glass roof, offering passengers uninterrupted views of the valley, mountains, rivers, tunnels, and key engineering landmarks such as the Chenab and Anji Khad bridges. This development enhances rail connectivity, provides a memorable travel experience for tourists and locals, and strengthens the role of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link in linking Kashmir with the rest of India.
Northern Railway has expanded its train service in Jammu and Kashmir, extending the route from Budgam and Banihal to reach Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra. This extension, implemented earlier this week, is part of the Jammu Division's continuous efforts to improve passenger amenities and connectivity along the scenic Katra-Baramulla corridor. Advertisement
For the first time in the Kashmir Valley, a Vistadome coach has been added to this service. The coach features 360-degree rotating seats, large panoramic windows, and a glass roof that allows passengers to view the surrounding landscape in all directions. Railway officials emphasized that the coach provides uninterrupted vistas of mountains, rivers, tunnels, and valleys, making the journey visually engaging for both tourists and regular commuters.
The Vistadome addition also highlights the key engineering achievements of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL). Passengers can now see the Chenab bridge in Reasi district, the world's highest railway arch bridge standing 359 metres above the riverbed, and India's first cable-stayed railway bridge at Anji Khad, featuring 96 high-tensile cables. The route also passes through the T-49 tunnel, the country's longest transportation tunnel at 12.77 km, along with 38 tunnels covering 119 km and 927 bridges spanning about 13 km.
Railway officials noted that this expansion aims to make travel both comfortable and memorable while promoting tourism in the region. Senior Divisional Commercial Manager Uchit Singhal stated that the initiative provides a pioneering passenger amenity, allowing travelers to experience the sky through the glass roof and natural beauty through unobstructed windows. The first extended service saw more than 600 passengers traveling between Banihal and Katra, reflecting a strong response from both locals and visitors.
The service not only enhances convenience for daily commuters but also offers tourists a unique opportunity to witness the scenic beauty and infrastructural marvels of the Kashmir Valley. Officials anticipate that the panoramic coach will become a key attraction, encouraging more travelers to choose rail over other modes of transport.
Source PTI
FAQ
Q1. What is the latest update on Northern Railway's Vistadome service?
Northern Railway has extended its special train service from Budgam-Banihal to now reach Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra. This expansion includes a Vistadome coach that offers passengers panoramic views of the valley, mountains, rivers, tunnels, and key bridges along the route.
Q2. What features does the Vistadome coach have?
The coach is equipped with 360-degree rotating seats, large panoramic windows, and a glass roof, providing uninterrupted vistas of the surrounding landscape. Passengers can enjoy both the natural beauty and engineering landmarks of the region during their journey.
Q3. Which engineering landmarks are visible from the Vistadome coach?
Travelers can view the Chenab Bridge in Reasi district, the world's highest railway arch bridge at 359 metres above the riverbed, and the Anji Khad cable-stayed bridge, India's first of its kind. The route also passes through the T49 tunnel (12.77 km, the country's longest railway tunnel), along with 38 tunnels and 927 bridges spanning around 13 km.
Q4. How does this extension benefit passengers?
The Vistadome coach enhances travel comfort and convenience for both tourists and daily commuters. It allows passengers to experience the scenic Kashmir Valley while traveling safely and comfortably by rail. The service also provides a unique tourist attraction that encourages rail travel in the region.
Q5. How has the public responded to the extended service?
The first extended run between Banihal and Katra carried over 600 passengers, indicating strong interest from locals and visitors alike. Railway officials anticipate increasing ridership as the panoramic coach becomes a key feature for travelers seeking scenic and memorable journeys.
Q6. How does this service integrate with the Kashmir Valley rail network?
The extension strengthens the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link, enhancing connectivity between Kashmir and the rest of India. It complements efforts to improve passenger amenities while promoting tourism and regional mobility along this strategic corridor.
5th Jun, 2025
25th May, 2023
11th May, 2023
27th Apr, 2023
Advertisement
Facebook
Whatsapp
