Are you planning to witness ‘Kashmir ki Waadiyaan’ but haven’t decided how? What if we told you that you can experience its breathtaking landscapes even when you’re in transit? Yes, you heard us right. Kashmir has its own Vista Dome coach that lets travelers take in the exquisite snow-covered landscapes of Kashmir, that too in the most comfortable way possible. Here’s a quick rundown of everything that you need to know about Kashmir’s Vistadome Train.
Indian Railways recently introduced the Vistadome coach, a unique glass-ceiling train coach positioned right in the center of the train, to allow maximum views of the Kashmir landscape. It was inaugurated by Union Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw and LG Manoj Sinha on 19th October 2023. Currently, the train is running from Badgam to Banihal in Kashmir and covers the train ride of 90 kilometers (km) in approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes.
Features Of Kashmir’s Vistadome Train
The Kashmir Vistadome train features a unique, one-of-a-kind coach designed to accommodate up to 32 passengers. The coach’s most talked about feature is its expansive glass windows and ceilings that offer panoramic views of the landscape outside. The coach is equipped with reclining seats that can be rotated to face the windows, enhancing the magical experience for passengers. It also has a regulated heating system to allow maximum comfort to passengers, especially senior citizens and children. And worry not, just when your mobile phones and cameras need more battery life to capture the snow-laden landscapes, you have dedicated charging points at your convenience.
Besides this, the coach also has automatic sliding doors. Other features – luggage racks, LED lights, and a GPS-enabled information system for giving passengers the ultimate luxurious train ride journey.
Kashmir’s Vistadome Train Route And Costs: Badgam To Banihal
The Vistadome Train runs from Badgam in Central Kashmir to Banihal in South Kashmir. The train halts at Badgam, Srinagar, Awantipura, Anantnag, Qazigund, and Banihal in this approximately 90-minute journey. Currently, only one train runs on this route, but there are plans for further expansion.
The train runs on all days except Fridays and runs at 9:00 AM from Badgam and 4:45 PM from Banihal.
The train ticket costs INR 940 for a one-way ride. Passengers can book their tickets from the Confirmtkt official website or the IRCTC official website.
Vande Bharat Sleeper Train From New Delhi To Srinagar
Not just the Vistadome coach, but Kashmir will also see one more train running through its snow-laden landscapes. The New Delhi-Srinagar route will feature the first sleeper coaches in the Vande Bharat line-up. Set to be fully operational by January 2025, the sleeper train will cover a distance of about 800 km in under 13 hours. It will halt at important railway stations like Ambala Cantt Junction, Ludhiana Junction, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra, and Banihal, among others.
The train will have modern features such as improved lighting, comfortable seating, automated doors, reading lights, charging points, as well as a dedicated Black Box and Fire Detection System. As for the tickets, they cost anywhere between INR 2000 to INR 3000. The price range ensures that there are enough coach options for travelers to choose from. The New Delhi to Srinagar train ride is guaranteed to elevate comfortable and luxury travel for middle-class travelers.
