Passengers traveling from Howrah to New Jalpaiguri in West Bengal will be able to experience luxury rail travel in the Vistadome coach starting Monday. The introduction of this coach aims to enhance the journey for passengers heading to Darjeeling and the Himalayas by offering spectacular views of the beautiful valleys of North Bengal. The Howrah Division’s Divisional Railway Manager (DRM) Sanjeev Kumar flagged off the Howrah-New Jalpaiguri Shatabdi Express with the new Vistadome coach during a ceremony attended by railway officials.

Enjoy the Scenic Valleys from the Vistadome Coach

Railway’s Senior Divisional Commercial Manager (DCM) Rahul Ranjan, Eastern Railway’s Chief Public Relations Officer Kaushik Mitra, and officers from other departments were present at the flagging-off event. The Howrah-New Jalpaiguri Shatabdi Express now features a Vistadome coach, specifically designed for travel enthusiasts. The Vistadome coach is equipped with a transparent fiber roof, large windows, mirrors, and fiber windows, allowing passengers to enjoy panoramic views of mountains, rain, and swirling clouds from the comfort of their seats.

Special Features of the Vistadome Coach

The Vistadome coach offers state-of-the-art facilities to enhance passenger comfort and enjoyment. Luxury pushback chairs that rotate 360 degrees have been installed to allow passengers to adjust their seating for maximum comfort. This temporary arrangement will be in place from July 1, 2024, to June 30, 2025, during which the 12041/12042 Howrah-New Jalpaiguri-Howrah Shatabdi Express will run with 15 coaches instead of the usual 14.

Fare Details and Additional Facilities

The Vistadome coach has a total of 24 berths, with a fare of Rs 2430 compared to Rs 1430 for a first-class berth in the Shatabdi Express. The coach is also equipped with self-operated sliding doors, glass backs, and advanced facilities such as WiFi and GPS connectivity. This ensures that passengers can stay connected with their loved ones throughout their journey. Additionally, an infotainment system has been installed to provide passengers with information and entertainment during the trip.

Inauguration of the Vistadome Coach

Eastern Railway Chief Public Relations Officer Kaushik Mitra highlighted that the introduction of the Vistadome coach aims to provide world-class facilities and a memorable travel experience for passengers. The concept of the Vistadome coach is not entirely new; in 2017, a similar coach was installed in the Kanchan Kanya Express, which ran from Sealdah to Alipurduar. The Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) was responsible for managing that coach.

The new Vistadome coach in the Howrah-New Jalpaiguri Shatabdi Express promises to rejuvenate the travel experience by offering passengers the chance to enjoy the natural beauty of North Bengal’s valleys in luxury and comfort.