Northern Railway Extends Special Train to Katra, Introduces Vistadome Coach

RNE Network.

In a major step towards improving passenger amenities, the Jammu Division of Northern Railway has extended special train No. 04688/04687 from Budgam to Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra, replacing its earlier termination at Banihal. The initiative aims to strengthen regional connectivity while offering improved travel options to passengers and tourists visiting Kashmir.

In a significant boost to tourism, a Vistadome coach has also been introduced on the extended service. Equipped with a glass roof and wide panoramic windows, the coach allows passengers to enjoy uninterrupted views of Kashmir’s scenic beauty, including mountains, rivers, valleys and tunnels, turning the rail journey into a memorable sightseeing experience.

Vistadome coaches, already popular on select tourist routes such as the Konkan Railway and the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, are being introduced in Kashmir for the first time. This marks a notable upgrade in passenger comfort and tourism-oriented rail services in the Valley.

Explaining the initiative, Principal Chief Commercial Manager, Northern Railway, Parveen Panday said that the addition of the Vistadome coach would significantly promote tourism and enhance the overall travel experience. “This pioneering passenger amenity offers a view of the sky through its glass roof and the surrounding natural beauty through large windows, making the journey both comfortable and exciting,” he said.

The extension of the special train service up to Katra, along with the launch of the Vistadome coach, is expected to further boost tourism, improve connectivity between Jammu and Kashmir, and offer passengers a new and enriching perspective on rail travel in the region.