ICF to roll out high-speed Vistadome coaches
Indian Railways’ Integral Coach Factory (ICF) in Chennai is all set to launch high-speed tourist coaches. Speed trials of the so-called Vistadome tourist coaches were completed recently, including a 180 kmph oscillation trial.
The coaches will run mostly in tourist locations so tourists can indulge in sightseeing. Till now, the routes at which the coaches have been operated include routes along Dadar-Madgaon, Araku Valley, Kalka-Shimla, Kangra Valley, Kashmir Valley, the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, the Matheran Hill Railway, and the Nilgiri Mountain Railway--most of which operate on narrow gauge. However, the current coaches are made for 5 ft 6 inch broad gauge.
The fancy features of the new Vistadome coaches, that will ensure a scenic and luxurious ride for the tourists include:
- Large glass windows
- Observation lounge
- Glass roof
- 180-degree rotatable seats
- Wi-fi based passenger information system
The windows are laminated with glass sheets to protect them from shattering.
