Srinagar, Oct 21: – Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha inaugurated the all-weather glass-ceiling AC train—Vistadome at Banihal on Thursday, accompanied by former Chief Minister and Member of Parliament Farooq Abdullah.
Expressing gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for introducing Vistadome train services in the Kashmir Valley, Lt Governor Sinha thanked Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw for enhancing the travel experience for both locals and tourists.
Manufactured by Indian Railways, the Vistadome features a single 40-seat AC coach with large glass windows, LED lights, rotatable seats, and an inbuilt GPS-based information system. The glass roof offers passengers breathtaking views as they traverse the picturesque Kashmir Valley.
Sinha highlighted that the specially designed Vistadome coach between Budgam and Banihal includes wide windows, revolving chairs, and a glass rooftop, providing passengers with a panoramic view of the surrounding landscape. He emphasized the profound impact Vistadome services will have on tourism, contributing to the economic growth and cultural enrichment of the region.
The introduction of Vistadome is seen as a symbol of accessibility to facilities available in developed countries for the people of Jammu and Kashmir. The train is set to operate on the scenic railway track from Budgam to Banihal, with key stops including Budgam, Srinagar, Awantipora, Anantnag, Qazigund, and Banihal.
The coaches feature automatic sliding doors, safety features such as CCTV cameras, and aim to promote tourism in the Kashmir Valley. This initiative provides travelers with a unique and comfortable way to experience the region’s beauty, from snow-covered mountains in winter to vibrant saffron fields in summer and golden Chinar leaves in autumn.”
