On Friday, Railway Minister, Piyush Goyal said that all mountain railways of the country will now have ‘vista-dome’ coaches, in an attempt to allow the passengers to enjoy the scenery of the hilly terrains.
Vista-dome is a glass enclosed coach.
The latest addition of vista-dome coaches have been made to the Nilgiri Mountain Railways.
Piyush Goyal said, “Given the positive feedback on this initiative of Indian Railways, an order for hundred vista-dome coaches have been given to the concerned manufacturing unit.”
Vista-dome coaches, in the Railways have been designed to provide panoramic view to passengers, it also enhances their travelling comfort.
Four mountain railways have been equipped with vista-dome coaches to render service.
The vista-dome coaches have been equipped with large windows on the sides and glass panels on the roof to facilitate better viewing experience.
Two meter-gauge coaches have been enhanced to vista-dome coaches by the Golden Rock Workshop, for the Niligiri Mountain Railway.
The Railway Minister stated that the plans are afoot to manufacture or retrofit 18 more coaches to vista-dome coaches, in the coming three months.
These coaches are for Kalka-Shimla, Kangra Valley, Patalpani -Kalkund section(MP) and Mailani- Nanpara section (UP).
Additional 69 more of such coaches will be planned in 2019-20 to reach to 100.
The Minister added that this is an attempt by the Indian Railways to add to passenger experience while promoting tourism in the country.