The Indian Railways has launched a state-of-the-art Vistadome coach on the picturesque New Jalpaiguri-Alipurduar route of North Bengal. The coach has large windows and transparent ceilings to provide breathtaking views of the lush green forests, tea orchards and rivers of the Dooars region that will fall on the route. The train is also equipped with WiFi and it will cover a distance of 169 kilometres, taking halts at Siliguri, Sivok, New Mal, Chalsa, Madarihat, Hasimara and Rajabhatkhawa. The cost per seat in the Vistadome coach is ₹770/person.
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The Vistadome Coach Has 44 Seats
According to a Telegraph India, speaking about the New Jalpaiguri route, an officer of Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) said, “The train will have a Vistadome coach with 44 seats. Also, there will be two AC chair car coaches, two general chair car coaches and two power-cum-luggage vans.” The cost of travel on AC and Non-AC chair cars are ₹310/person and ₹85/person respectively. This is the first time a Vistadome coach has been introduced in North Bengal. The train was flagged off by Central Minister John Barla and Jalpaiguri MP Jayanta Roy. Darjeeling Toy Train Resumes Operations After 17 Months For A Magical Ride Through The Mountains
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The Train Will Run For Three Days In A Week
The New Jalpaiguri-Alipurduar train with the Vistadome coach will run three days a week, on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. As per reports, refreshments will also be provided on board by IRCTC. Not only will the travellers get to enjoy the ride, but they can also take part in a plethora of experiences along the scenic route. At Sivok and Hasimara stations, travellers can enjoy tea tasting and take pictures at selfie points.
On the way of return, they can witness folk dances at Chalsa and Hasimara stations. The New Jalpaiguri Station is a 14-hour journey via road from Kolkata. By train, it will take around 9 hours to reach New Jalpaiguri from Kolkata. Alternatively, tourists can reach the Bagdogra airport and take a half-an-hour ride to the station via road.
Vistadome Coach Launched In Guwahati-New Haflong Route Of Assam
Another Vistadome train has been introduced on the Guwahati-New Haflong route in Assam. The total length of this route is around 269 kilometres. The cost per seat in the Vistadome coach of this train is ₹1150/person. The train will run two days a week, on Wednesdays and Saturdays.