Indian Railways to begin Vistadome tourist special trains in Assam, West Bengal from Aug 28

In the initial phase, the special Vistadome train service between Guwahati and New Haflong will run only two days a week on Wednesdays and Saturdays. The train will take halts at Manderdisa and Maibong stations.

The train is expected to cover the 269 km distance that goes through the North Cachar Hill region. The trains will depart from Guwahati at 6:35 am and reach New Haflong at 11:55 am while the return trains will leave New Haflong at 5 pm to reach Guwahati at 10:45 pm. 

The second Vistadome train that will run between New Jalpaiguri and Alipurduar Junction will run three days a week on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. The special train will depart from New Jalpaiguri at 7:20 am to reach Alipurduar Junction at 1 pm while the return train will leave Alipurduar Junction at 2 pm to reach New Jalpaiguri at 7 pm. 

Covering a total distance of 169 km that goes through the Dooars Hill region of north Bengal, the train will take halts at Siliguri Junction, Sevok, New Mal Junction, Chalsa, Madarihat, Hasimara and Raja Bhat Khawa stations. 

Vistadome coaches, which were introduced by the Indian Railways last year, feature large glass windows and glass roofs to provide a 360-degree view of the open sky, mountains, tunnels, bridges, hills and lush green forests to the tourists.

Vistadome coach will also come with observation lounges for allowing to enjoy site seeing with full comfort.

Vistadome coaches offer additional comfort to passengers than regular train seats. Moreover, the seats of the coach are designed in such a way that they can rotate 360 degrees. 

- With PTI inputs.