The first trial run of India’s new “Vistadome” scenic rail carriages was flagged off on Sunday, ushering in a new era of tourism train travel in the country.
The Economic Times reports that India’s Railway Minister, Suresh Prabhu, officially launched the first glass-topped coaches on the line running between Visakhapatnam and the hill station of Araku, in the eastern state of Andhra Pradesh.
The new scenic coaches feature glass roofs that allow passengers a better view of the surrounding scenery, particularly in mountainous regions. The air-conditioned carriages also feature LED lights, rotatable seats and GPS-based information systems.
“The coaches are equipped with observation lounge, info-tainment system… [and] automatic sliding compartment door,” the minister was quoted saying. “[They] will give unique offering to tourists, who will enjoy scenic beauty not only at destination but also along the journey.”
Following the launch on the Visakhapatnam-Araku line, the panoramic carriages are expected to be introduced in the mountainous state of Jammu and Kashmir.
Comments are closed.