Vistadome coaches a hit with travellers, register 90% occupancy in last four months

According to Central Railway officials, a total of 20,407 passengers travelled in the Vistadome coaches between October and December 2021.

The CSMT-Madgaon-CSMT Janshatabdi Express is the most populous route for Vistadome coaches, having occupancy of 100 per cent, an official said. A total of 7,754 passengers travelled in it, generating revenue of Rs.1.40 crore, the official added.

This was followed by CSMT-Pune-CSMT Deccan Express with occupancy of 90.43 per cent. As many as 7,185 passengers travelled in it bringing in revenue of Rs 50.96 lakh. This was followed by Deccan Queen with 5,468 passengers and revenue of Rs 46.30 lakh.

The Deccan Queen is more popular in the ‘Up direction’ which is from Pune to Mumbai with occupancy of 94.28 per cent.

Vistadome coaches were first introduced in the Mumbai-Madgaon Janshatabdi Express in 2018 and the immense popularity of these coaches led to them being introduced in the Mumbai-Pune Deccan Express with effect from June 26, 2021.

Subsequently, the second Vistadome coach on Mumbai-Pune route was attached to Deccan Queen from August 15, 2021.

The unique Vistadome coaches, apart from having a glass rooftop, have a number of extraordinary features such as wide window panes, LED lights, rotatable seats and pushback chairs, GPS-based info system, multiple television screens, electrically operated automatic sliding compartment doors, wide side sliding doors for the differently abled, toilets with ceramic tile flooring, and a viewing gallery.

“Vistadome coaches have boosted tourism and have revolutionised the concept of luxury travel in Indian Railways. Whether it is the breathtaking views of the valleys, rivers and waterfalls along the Mumbai-Goa route or the spectacular views of the Western Ghats along the Mumbai-Pune route, these coaches with glass tops and wide window panes have proved to be a hit,” said an official.