New vistadome coach goes for trial run in scenic Kalka-Shimla route

CHANDIGARH: Ambala division conducted a trial run of the newly-designed vistadome coach on Kalka-Shimla train on Friday. During the trial, the speed, air-conditioning system and the sitting comfort were checked by a team from the railways.
The new coach, a first-class chair car envisioned on the lines of shatabdis, has 15 seats, two air-conditions, a washroom and a pantry.Sources said that the division is trying to get a rake of 10 vistadome coaches designed before the next tourist season.
Dinesh Kumar, divisional railway manager, Ambala, said that a workshop in Kalka is designing the coaches and soon they will be on track. He said that that the division received a huge response for the existing vistadome coach that was launched last year. Owing to its popularity, the decision to launch a train where all rakes have glass roof was taken, he added.
The existing vistadome coach was launched on December 11, 2018. The single coach has 36 seats. The fare is Rs 130 for adults and Rs 60 for a child. But the to-be launched first-class coach fares will be higher, as it has better facilities.
A vistadome rail motor car was also launched, specifically targeting tourists, on the Kalka-Shimla heritage section. This 12-seater rail car is first of its kind on this section and will have a glass roof top, LCD, air-conditioning and attached washroom for passengers.