What if we told you that you could look up at the ceiling while travelling in an Indian train and gaze at the stars The 115-year-old train from Kalka-Shimla will get a new upgrade where the coach will be equipped with a see-through glass roof in a new initiative by the Indian Railways. The Vistadome coach will not only provide views of the mesmerizing natural beauty outside but will give an interesting glimpse of a narrow gauge railway section of Indian Railways. The move is set to let passengers enjoy better vision through the glass top ceiling of the newly converted coach. The train recently concluded its trial run and passengers will soon be able to soak in the delightful experience.
The coach with a seating capacity of 36 passengers also has upgraded windows and a conditioning system. This initiative comes in the wake of making the train journey delightful for passengers. Additionally, the coach has also been equipped with cushioned wooden interiors, LED lights and window blinds. The cost of the Vistadome coach, which is made of glass, is Rs 10 lakh. The aesthetically designed coach is a first-of-its-kind on the Kalka-Shimla railway section. It takes five hours to travel from Shimla to Kalka.
The timing, fare and the number of coaches to be attached to the train are yet to be decided. The railway authorities are working to reduce the journey time to four hours, which will encourage people, especially tourists, to travel by train. In 2009, the Kalka-Shimla rail track was declared a World Heritage site by UNESCO.