By In a major boost for tourism and regional connectivity, the Northern Railway has successfully operated a special train featuring a Vistadome coach on the Banihal to Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra rail section. This significant development marks the extension of a service that previously only ran between Budgam and Banihal. Now, passengers can travel across the scenic landscapes of the Jammu division in a specialized coach designed specifically for sightseeing and comfort.
The Vistadome coach is a true highlight of this journey, offering a “pioneering passenger amenity” that turns a simple train ride into a memorable event. These coaches are famous for their large glass windows and transparent glass roofs, which allow travelers to look up at the sky and out at the surrounding mountains without any obstruction. Inside, the seats can rotate 360 degrees, meaning passengers can turn their chairs to face any direction they choose. This is particularly helpful for photographers and nature lovers who want to capture the stunning beauty of the Kashmir Valley and the rugged Himalayan terrain.
On its very first day of extended operation, the train saw an enthusiastic response with more than 600 passengers boarding to experience the new route. The journey takes travelers through several engineering marvels that are world-famous. One of the most exciting moments is crossing the Chenab Bridge, which is the highest railway arch bridge in the world. Standing at 359 meters above the riverbed, it is even taller than the Eiffel Tower. Passengers also get a clear view of the Anji Khad Bridge, which is India’s first cable-stayed railway bridge, held up by 96 high-tensile cables.
Local residents and tourists alike have described the move as a historic step. Before this extension, travelers often had to switch between different modes of transport to reach Katra from the valley. Now, the special train (numbered 04688/04687) provides a direct and affordable link. Unlike the faster Vande Bharat Express which has fewer stops, this special train stops at smaller stations, making it accessible to more people living in the region. Senior Railway officials have noted that this initiative is not just about transportation, but about promoting the natural splendor of Kashmir to the world.
The Vistadome service was originally launched in the region in October 2023 but was limited to a shorter route. By bringing it to the Banihal-Katra section, the railway has opened up some of the most picturesque parts of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link for public viewing. As the train winds through long tunnels and over deep valleys, the air-conditioned coach ensures a comfortable atmosphere regardless of the chilly weather outside. This project is a key part of the government’s plan to fully integrate Kashmir with the rest of India’s rail network, providing a world-class experience for every “common man” who steps on board.
Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw informed the Lok Sabha that Vande Bharat Express fares are among the lowest globally. AC Chair Car tickets cost around ₹2.19 per km for 300–400 km journeys, far cheaper than similar high-speed trains in Japan, France, and China. Despite advanced features like Kavach safety, automatic doors, and premium seating, fares remain affordable, leading to high occupancy across 164 services on 82 routes.
