Vistadome to chug off on heritage track today sans online booking

Sandeep Rana

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, December 10

No online or advance booking is available for the Vistadome coach to be introduced on the 96-km-long Unesco world heritage Kalka-Shimla track tomorrow.

Sources said those who wanted to travel by the coach would have to buy the ticket at the Kalka station counter only. This has left passengers interested in exploring the new train with a glass roof disappointed.

“Having read about the new classy train, I tried to book it online, but did not find the option available. If the Railways is launching the train on such a prominent track, it should have the basics ready before the launch,” said Manjot Kaur, a local travel freak.

Officials told Chandigarh Tribune that these issues would be resolved soon. “The train will be introduced tomorrow. In a day or two, the online and advance booking facility will be made available for Vistadome. It could not be done due to a technical issue,” said Praveen Gaur Dwivedi, Senior Divisional Commercial Manager, Ambala Divison. The coach will be attached to train No. 52453/52454 and will be an added attraction for tourists.The coach will have a seating capacity of 36, a glass roof, modified windows and the air-conditioning system. It will have designer LED lights, window blinds and cushioned wooden interiors. 

The coach, also known as ‘Nihaar’, is the first of its kind on this section. At present, it can be booked through the passenger reservation system for Rs 70 for a child and Rs 130 for others. The passengers will be able enjoy the scenic view of the hills while negotiating through 103 tunnels and 988 bridges on the track.

Fare

Child: Rs 70

Others: Rs 130

Timings

Departure (Kalka): 6 am

Arrival (Shimla): 11.30 am 

Departure (Shimla): 6.30 pm

Arrival (Kalka):  11.30 pm