Vistadome Railway Coaches, India

 On par with the Executive Coaches in the various Indian Railway Trains, or better to call it an upgrade of the EC, Vistadome Coaches are the latest state - of - the - art additions in a few of the most scenic and popular zones of the Railways. 

The Indian Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw stated that "The routes for running trains using the Vistadome coaches in the composition of trains are selected on the basis of the natural scenic beauty of the areas through which the trains pass,"  in a reply in Rajya Sabha.

These coaches are the ultimate in luxury that adds to the thrilling experience of traveling by long distance trains across the length and breadth of the country. The routes chosen for the time being include places that have extremely natural beautiful landscape, be it the Konkan, the Dooars, the Himalayan ranges, coastal palm lined plains and the stunning locales of North East India. 

Date of Commencement - 11th February 2022

Number of Trains with Vistadome Coaches - 45

Proposed Total Number of Trains - 90

Manufactured By - Integral Coach Factory in Chennai on the LHB (Linke-Hofmann Busch platform/technology). 

Features of the See - Through Vistadome Coach

1. Transparent plexiglass glass roofs

2. Seating capacity of 36

3. Rotating Seats with a cup holder, back pocket, armrests, push button to recline, individual charging sockets for mobile phones and laptops 

4. Pusback Chairs. 

5. AC 

6. Cushioned wooden interiors

7. Modified windows

8. Designer LED lights 

9. An observation lounge offering a panoramic 360° view

10. 44 seats in each coach

    
    
    

Base Fare of Executive Vistadome Coaches 

1. 1 to 50 kms - ₹ 425

2. 991 to 1000 kms - ₹ 2677

List of Some of the Trains with Vistadome Coaches 

1. Western Railway Zone

• Ahmedabad - Kevadiya Express; Train

Number 20947/48 • 

• Ahmedabad - Kevadiya Express; Train

Number 20949/50

• Mhow - Patalpani - Kalakund (MG); Train Number 52965/66

• Bilimora - Waghai (NG); Train Number -09501/02, 09071/72

• Mumbai Central - Gandhinagar Capital Shatabdi Express; Train Number - 12009/10

2. Central Railway Zone

• Mumbai - Pune Deccan Express; Train Number: 11007/08, 02123

• Pune - Mumbai Deccan Express, Train Number : 02124

• Mumbai Madgaon / Janshatabdi Express; Train - Number: 12051/52

• Deccan Queen Express; Train Number: 12123/24

3. Northeast Frontier Railway Zone

• Alipurduar - New Jalpaiguri Express; Train

No.: 15777/78

• Guwahati - Badarpur Express; Train No.:

15887/88

• Tinsukia - Naharlagun Express; Train No.: 15907/08

• Train Numbers 52593/95/98/44, 52541, 52540, 52556

• Naharlagun-Guwahati Shatabdi Express; ,Train Number 12087/88 

4. East Coast Railway Zone

Visakhapatnam - Kirandul Express; Train Number: 18551/52

5. Northern Railway Zone

Kalka - Shimla Express; Train Number 52453/54 and 52459/60

6. South Western Railway Zone

• Yesvantpur - Mangalore Express; Train Number 16539/40, 06211/06212, 06575/06576 

• Yesvantpur - Karwar Express; Train Number 16515/16

• Yesvantpur - Mangalore Express; Train Number 16575/76

• Yesvantpur Shivamogga Express; Train Number 16579/80

 

7. North Eastern Railway Zone

Mailani Bichia Special (MG); Train - Number 05319/20

8. South Coastal Zone 

Visakhapatnam - Araku, Train Number 58501-58502 

Places To See Via VistaDomes

1. Madgaon, Goa

2. Araku Valley

3. Mangaluru, Karnataka

4. Tinsukia, Assam

5. Pune, Maharashtra

6. Shimla, Himachal Pradesh

7. Naharlagun, Arunachal Pradesh.  

8. Alipurdaur, West Bengal

As it is, a long distance train journey via the Indian Railways is always a thrilling, memorable and enjoyable time for most people. On top of that, these upgraded Vistadome Coaches provide the traveller with a unique opportunity to experience the train journey to exotic locations of the country in a totally unique style. The coaches enhance and elevate it to an another level altogether. 

Images - www.indiatimes.com

Link shared here 

Information Source - www.irctchelp.in

The Golden Chariot - Splendour of South

Splendor of South is a special Luxury Train that runs for 7 nights and 8 days. The train covers Banglore, Chennai, Mamallapuram, Pondicherry, Trichirapalli and Tanjore, Madurai, Kanyakumari, Thiruvananthapuram, Backwaters and Kochi/ Allepey and ends at Banglore.

The journey of this coach takes through the historical temple cities of Tamilnadu and Luxurious Beaches of Kerala. The tour covers the two states of South India Tamilnadu and Kerala starting from Banglore and ending at Banglore. The coaches of this tour resemble the coaches of The Golden Chariot Train.One can enjoy the colourful splendour of the southern region of India

The tariff (it is subjet to change every year) for October 2013 - March 2014 (For Indian Nationals) Single - 26400 per person/night 184800 for 7 nights per person Double - 19800 per person/night 138600 for 7 nights per person Triple - 16500 per person/night 115500 for 7 nights per person The tariff for International travellers Single - 831 USD per person/night 5817 for 7 nights per person Double - 627 USD per person/night 4389 for 7 nights per person Triple - 545 USD per person/night 3815 for 7 nights per person. For children upto 5 years 10% of the tariff For kids between 5 and 12 half fare Tour Cost Includes: Drive with the hotel train "The Golden Chariot – Splendor of The South“ in a deluxe cabin with attached bathroom All meals, including tea, coffee and mineral water Gala Dinner in Poovar Kathakali dance show in Kochi Transport for sightseeing’s with an air-conditioned deluxe bus Entrance fees to monuments and museums Accompanying German and English speaking guides Local Taxes and fees Travel documents Tour Cost Does Not Include: Alcoholic beverages Personal expenditures like tips, Spa Wagon, Business - centre, etc. Visa for India Flights

Learn Info about Trains through SMS

The simplest way to check Railway Ticket Status using SMS messages are:
For Train Help - HELP TRN to 54959 
The reply one will get is - For PNR Sms HELP PNR
                                  - For Available sms HELP TRNAV                   
                                  - For Trains Between Stations sms HELP TRNBT 
                                  - For Train Schedule sms HELP TRNSH
To obtain PNR Status    - Sms PNR <10 digit="" no.="" pnr=""> to 54959
To obtain Ticket Availability
                                 - Sms TRNAV to 54959
To know about trains between two stations 
                                  - Sms TRNBT to 54959
To know train schedule (send the first few charecters of the train name)
                                  - Sms TRNSH to 54959
To know train schedule by train no. 
                                  - Sms TRNSH to 54959
To access via WAP (Mobile Browser) 
                                  - Sms TRNLINK to 54959

Class Codes and Abbrevations given in Train Tickets of Indian Railways

The various class codes available for accomodation in the Indian Railways. The abbrevations are used mainly in the tickets both physical booking and etickets.

1A - These are first class air-conditioned coaches which have Berths for sleeping at night and seats by day. (This code is given to AC Executive class Chair Car in Shatabdi Express for the purpose of fare).

2A - These are air-conditioned 2 tier sleeper coaches. The seats are used for sitting by day and berths are for sleeping by night.

FC - These are non airconditioned coaches with Berths for sleeping by night and seats by day.

3A - Air conditioned 3 tier sleeper. Berths for sleeping in the night and seats in the day time.

3H - 3 tier high capacity air-conditioned berths.

CC - Air-conditioned chair cars. Only sitting accomodation is available. In Southern Railways and South Western Railways these are refferred to as Second Class AC Chair cars for the very purpose of distinguishing them from the Executive Chair Cars.

CH - High-Capacity version of air conditioned chair cars with individual chairs sitting accommodation.

EC - Executive Class or First Class Air conditioned chair car with only sitting accommodation.

SL - Sleeper class for sleeping at night and seats by day.

SH - High capacity sleeper class with berths for sleeping at night, seats by day. The number of berths are 81.

2S - Second class sitting. Only sitting accommodation is available with bench style seats.

ACC - No longer used in booking. First class Air conditioned sleeper with coupes of 2 and 4 berths each.

The fares differ from train to train.

Things to be noted while booking tickets in Mahaparinirvan Express

1. The first class AC Coupe is only for two passengers on a cabin sharing basis during the journey.
2. Tour costs are for per peron per night on a twin sharing basis. Kids in the age group of 5 to 12 years sharing the same room will be charged half fare. Age proof of the kids is to be provided at the time of booking tickets.
3. Rates are subject to change due to currency fluctuation.
4. On request IRCTC will arrange Airport to hotel transfer, hotel accomodation and sight seeing in Delhi at a very attractive rate.
5. For individual travellers who donot wish to share a room, have to choose that option during ticket booking itself by either paying $50 per day or $200 for the entire tour.
6. Tickets are booked on first come first serve basis. For those who wish to opt for the side berths in AC two tier, have to book well in advance, and if it is not available the inner berths will be allocated at the rate of inner berths and the vice versa is also applicable.
Package Price Includes:
*Journey by exclusive airconditioned train.
*Road and other transport by AC coaches as per the itenery
*Sight seeing
*Accomodation
*Meals
*English/Hindi speaking tour escort
*Entrance fees at Monuments and other places applicable
*Travel Insurance

Package price does not include:
*Visa fees to India and Nepal
*Laundry, Medicine
*Road transfers to and fro from Delhi-Safdarjung Railway station
*Hotel stay before and after the journey in Delhi
*Air ticket to Delhi
*Services that are not mentioned in the Package.
*Fees for cameras both still and video at the monuments and other places.
The tickets booked for the trip can be cancelled too at a specified cost.
If it is cancelled before 45 days - 10% of the package cost is deducted
Within a period of 44 days to 15 days(which excludes departure date) - 25% of the package cost is deducted
Within a period of 14 days to 7 days(which excules departure date) - 50% of the package cost is deducted
Within a period of 7 days or before the scheduled departure - 100% of the package cost is deducted and no refund is given.

Instead of availing of the full tour, partial tour can also be opted. And for such trips, the reporting time at the Railway station or hotel would be 7.00pm(19.00 hrs). To extend the tour beyond that time, addinitional charges need to be paid.

The Mahaparinirvan Express - Buddisht circuit Tour package by IRCTC

The Buddhist Mahaparinirvan express is an Exclusive Train for the Buddhist Circuit Tour.
* The train is an exclusive air conditioned train for this circuit tour destinations that carry passengers who have booked only for this tour.
* Each coach is provided with a private security gaurd and ensures the safety of passengers all through the journey.
* The onboard kitchen car provides hotmeals both veg and non-veg as per the choice of the passengers. Snacks and cool drinks are also provided for the passengers. Ample quantity of packaged drinking water, tea and coffee are also available for the passengers.
* Accomodation at highly comfortable hotels all through the circuit is arranges.
* Passengers are provided with the Travel Insurance Cover for the particular duration of the tour.
* Medical support is provided through the Indian Railway Medical facilities.
* On booking in advance, tourist guides of various languages are provided for a reasonable sized group of passengers.
*As one of the destination is Lumbini in Nepal, the tourists have to obtain proper Visa to visit that place, but IRCTC provides assistance to obtain Visa at the time of entry in Nepal.
The Mahaparinirvan express covers:
Delhi -> Bodhgaya -> Nalanda/Rajgir -> Varanasi/Sarnath -> Kushinagar -> Lumbini(Nepal) -> Sravasti ->Agra/Delhi

Itenery of the tour:
The entire tour is for 8 days.
Day 1 departure from Delhi and it reaches Gaya in the next day morning. The dinner is served on-board and stay overnight is also on-board.
Day 2 arrival at Gaya. Early morning tea/coffee is provided on board. Breakfast is provided at a hotel. Visit to Mahabodhi temple and Niranjana River followed by a Lunch at hotel. Visiting Thai and Japanese temple and Buddha statue. Dinner and  overnight stay at a hotel.
Day 3 Breakfast at hotel followed by a visit to Bimbisara Jail and Gridhkut hill. Lunch is provided at hotel. After lunch visiting the ruins of the Nalanda University and Nalanda Museum. Departure to Varanasi by train with dinner and overnight stay on-board.
Day 4 Early morning tea/coffee is served on board before arrival at Varanasi. Breakfast is served at a hotel in Varanasi. Visiting Sarnath, Dhamekh Stupa and Askhoka Pillar followed by lunch at hotel. Visiting to Ganges ghat followed by a boat ride and aarti at Ganges. Departure for Gorakhpur. Dinner and Overnight stay on board.
Day 5 early morning tea/coffee on board and on arrival at Gorakhpur, stay is arranged at a hotel. Breakfast is provided at the hotel followed by a visit to Mahaparinirvan temple, Rambhar Stupa and Matakutir temple. Lunch and dinner served at hotel and overnight stay is at hotel.
Day 6 early morning coffee/tea and breakfast at hotel. Reaching Lumbini by bus. Lunch at hotel followed by a visit to Mayadevi Temple and Ashoka Pillar. Departure to Gorakhpur Railway station and proceed to Gonda by train. Dinner and Overnight stay on board.
Day 7 early morning coffee/tea on board before arrival at Gonda. Travel to Sravasti and check-in at hotel followed by breakfast. Visiting Jetvana Vihara and Pakki Kuti and lunch at hotel. Return to Gonda Railway station to depart to Agra. Dinner is served on-board followed by stay on-board.
Day 8 tea/coffee on board before arriving at Agra. Breakfast at Agra followed by a visit to Taj Mahal. Departure to New Delhi by train. Lunch and evening tea are served on board and the train reaches Delhi Safdarjung Railway station in the evening.

Tarriff and Fare
Class of Travel                             Sep 2011 to May 2012 (per night)             Full Tour
AC- First Class                   US$                   160                                            1120                                                 INR                 7520                                          52640
AC – 2 Tier Inner Class       US$                   130                                             910                                                 INR                 6110                                          42770
AC – 2 Tier Side Berth        US$                  110                                               770                                                INR                 5170                                           36190
AC – 3 Tier Class               US$                  105                                               735                                                INR                 4935                                           34545
AC First Coupe                  US$   160 +(USD 150 Per Pax for Partial/Full Tour)    1270                                                INR                    -                                              57150

Toy Train from Neral to Matheran

Toy Train from Neral to Matheran is a toy train laid by Abdul Hussain, son of Sir Adamjee Peerbhoy of Mumbai. The narrow guage railway line to Matheran was constructed between 1904 and 1907.

Train timings of the toy train:

Neral -> Matheran:
depart 0730, arrive 0930
depart 0850, arrive 1110
depart 1015, arrive 1210
depart 1215, arrive 1405
depart 1705, arrive 1900

Matheran -> Neral:
depart 0700, arrive 0840
depart 0945, arrive 1125
depart 1340, arrive 1520
depart 1445, arrive 1625
depart 1625, arrive 1810

The train commences its journey from Neral and the travel timing is about 90 minutes. The train starts its ascent after crossing Hardar Hills and reach the Jamnapatti station where the rail and road run parallel to each other. Then the train runs through a tunnel and zig zags forward and backward. Before the train reaches the tunnel it crosses the Bhera Kund and the Horseshoe embarkment near Mount Barry. After the tunnel, the train crosses the Panorama Point and the Simpson Tank and reaches the Matheran Bazaar. The railway line is 12 1/2 miles long and the speed is limited to 12 miles per hour only.

Maharaja Express Luxury by itself from IRCTC and Cox Kings India Ltd.

Maharaja Express, is a train that lives up to the word. In a joint venture between IRCTC and Cox and Kings India Ltd., the Royale Indian Rail Tours Ltd., was set up. The Maharajas Express is the proud tour package train of the same.

Maharajas were born into royalty and this train is a royal one in terms of luxury by itself. For the commoners luxury in once in a while, for the Maharajas, life itself is a luxury and here in this train, one can experience the luxuries that the Maharajas enjoyed. All the carriages are equipped with all modern facilities and amenities and comforts that are created by science. The Maharajas Express is a world class luxury train with Large LCD screens, environmental friendly washrooms and lots more. The entire ride in this train shows a different experience, and a different face of India.

There are 3 tour packages available.
1. Princely India : (8 days and 7 nights)Mumbai - Vadodara - Udaipur - Jodhpur - Bikaner - Jaipur - Ranthambore - Agra - Delhi.

      A spectacular journey through Western India, that also combines the Taj Mahal. This 8 day journey takes one through the royal forts and palaces along with the Royal hunting ground of the Rajputs (Ranthambore, which is now a National Tiger Reserve) and also the Taj Mahal.

2. Royal India : (8 days and 7 nights)Delhi - Agra - Ranthambore - Jaipur - Bikaner - Jodhpur - Udaipur - Vadodara - Mumbai
       The reverse of princely India tour which starts with the spectacular Taj Mahal and goes through the state of Rajasthan and reaches Mumbai. One can participate in the Elephant Polo match and also view the tigers at close proximity.

3. Classical India : (7 days and 6 nights)Delhi - Agra - Gwalior - Khajuraho - Bandhavgarh - Varanasi - Lucknow - Delhi
        Starts at Delhi followed by a spectacular view of Tajmahal, the guests on board get to visit the princely state of Gwalior, and go on a cruise in the river Ganges at Varanasi. 

Contact Information of IRCTC for Tour Packages

For all kinds of train tour packages operated by IRCTC one can contact:
INDIAN RAILWAY CATERING AND TOURISM CORPORATION LTD
Tourism Information and Facilitation Centre
Chennai Central Railway StationSouthern Zone
Chennai - 600003
Chennai Tel No.- 044- 64594959/ 044-25330349,
Chennai Office No.- (0) 9003140681,82
Madurai Office No.-9500018572
Fax No.: 044-25352987
Chennai - 044 - 25353340/41
Bangalore - 080- 22370887,
Ernakulam - 0484-2382991
Website: www.railtourismindia.com
E-mail: tourismmas@irctc.com
Bengaluru:
      Ph: 080-22960014/13
      Fax: 080-23123877
      Email: tourismsbc@irctc.com
Chennai:
      Ph: 044-64594959/0-9003140681/ 044-25330341
      Fax: 044-25352987
      Email: tourismmas@irctc.com
Kochi:
      Ph: 0484-2382991/92
      Fax: 0484-2382990
      Email: tourismers@irctc.com

Secundrabad:
      Ph: 040-66201263
      Fax: 040-66201264
      Email: tourismscz@irctc.com

Vivek Express

To mark the 150th birthday of Swami Vivekananda, the Railway Ministry of Government of India have introduced new trains named Vivek Express. These trains will be run till 2013. Four trains in four routes of the different regions are run initially. On Jan 12, 2011, the Vivek Express was flagged off from the Howrah Junction by the Minster of Railways, Ms. Mamta Banerjee. This train is a gift from the government on the celebration of 150th birthday. The train have an onboard exhibition which includes photographs and life history of Vivekananda.

The routes through which Vivek Express runs:
1. Diprugai - Trivandrum - Kanyakumari via Kokrajhar  (Weekly once)
2. Dwaraka - Tuticorin via Vaadi  (Weekly once)
3. Howrah - Manglore Express via Palkad (Weekly once)
4. Bandra(T) - Jammu Tawi via Marwar, Decana, Ratangar, Jakkar, Ludhiana (Weekly Once)