Over 100 Additional Trips btw Banihal and Budgam planned
WAJAHAT SHABIR
SRINAGAR: In a significant move to boost rail-based tourism and ease local travel, the Northern Railway has extended the operation of the Vistadome special train between Banihal and Budgam, following its successful initial run earlier this year.
The service, which was first introduced on 5 April and concluded on 3 June, will now operate from 6 June to 3 October, completing over 100 trips in each direction during the extended phase.
According to an official directive, the Vistadome train will operate six days a week, excluding Fridays, and is designed to provide passengers with a unique journey through the breathtaking landscapes of Kashmir.
The highlight of the service is the specially designed Vistadome coach, equipped with large glass windows, a glass roof, and rotatable seats, allowing for uninterrupted views of the Valley’s mountains, forests, and rivers. Standard coaches will also be attached to accommodate the increasing demand.
In its earlier phase from April to early June, the Vistadome special made 52 trips each way, receiving an enthusiastic response from both locals and tourists. Many hailed the train as a “moving observatory,” offering an immersive experience of Kashmir’s natural beauty that traditional transport modes cannot match.
Railway officials said the extension aims to cater to the rising number of visitors arriving in the Valley during the peak summer and autumn seasons. “The Vistadome service is not just about transport; it’s about transforming travel into a tourism experience,” a Northern Railway official stated. “We’ve seen the potential, and now we want to build on it.”
The timing of the announcement coincides with a major development in Kashmir’s rail connectivity: Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to flag off the inaugural Katra-Srinagar train on June 6. This long-awaited launch will further integrate the Kashmir Valley with the rest of the country, offering seamless travel for pilgrims, tourists, and locals alike.
Tourism stakeholders in the region have welcomed both developments, viewing them as part of a broader push to strengthen Kashmir’s infrastructure and attract more visitors. “This is a much-needed initiative,” said Zahoor Ahmad, a local travel agent in Srinagar. “The Vistadome train adds charm to the journey, while the Katra-Srinagar link will cut down travel time and improve access.”
