In a move aimed at enhancing passenger convenience, the Northern Railways on Friday announced the extension of the Vista Dome train service between Budgam – Banihal – Budgam special route from July 1st.
Chief Public Relations Officer, Deepak Kumar told Rising Kashmir that railways have decided to extend the Vista Dome train service in 04688/04687 Budgam – Banihal – Budgam special from 1st July to 30th July 2024.
He said that this service, which was initially scheduled to operate from April 1, 2024, to June 30, 2024, will now continue from July 1, 2024, to September 30, 2024.
“For Train No. 04688 Budgam-Banihal Special, the service was previously notified to run from April 1, 2024, to June 30, 2024. This period has now been extended to include 92 additional trips from July 1, 2024, to September 30, 2024,” Kumar said.
Similarly, Train No. 04687 Banihal-Budgam Special, which was also scheduled to operate from April 1, 2024, to June 30, 2024, will now run for 92 additional trips from July 1, 2024, to September 30, 2024.
He said passengers are encouraged to take advantage of this extension and experience the scenic beauty of the region through the panoramic Vista Dome coaches.
A railway official said that Vistadome coach’s placement has been strategically chosen to optimize passengers’ scenic viewing experiences, creating a truly exceptional travel adventure.
“For a one-way journey, ticket prices are set at 940 rupees from Budgam to Banihal. Passengers seeking a round-trip experience need only pay 1880 rupees,” he said.
The official said that passengers embarking on this picturesque journey will depart from Budgam to Banihal. The train will make stops at Srinagar, Awantipora, Anantnag, and Qazigund, eventually arriving at Banihal.
“For the return journey in the evening, the train will depart from Banihal, reaching Budgam. This schedule is thoughtfully designed to accommodate the preferences of tourists traveling to the region’s various tourist spots, providing flexibility and convenience,” he added.
The Vistadome coach is a specially designed railway carriage that offers passengers a panoramic view of the surrounding landscapes.
“With a seating capacity of 40 passengers, the coach boasts wide windows, revolving chairs, and a glass roof, ensuring that travelers can enjoy uninterrupted views of the breathtaking surroundings throughout the journey.”
On October 19, 2023, Jammu and Kashmir’s Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha, inaugurated the Vistadome Coach from the Srinagar railway station in Nowgam outskirts.
