Vistadome Train Coach on Bangalore – Mangalore Route in Karnataka
The Indian railways have added an additional feature to the weekly Yeshwantpur express (train no 06540 ) in form of a vistadome coach. Now what is a vistadome coach? It is a special coach which is made for best viewing of the scenery outside while travelling on a scenic train route. This train travels from Bangalore to Mangalore. Each vistadome coach can accommodate 44 passengers and cost of ticket is Rs 1395. Also, another train Yeshwantpur – Karwar tri weekly train no 6211 will also be attached with a vistadome coach. The Karwar express (06211 and 06575) leave Yeshwantpur at 7 a.m. to reach Mangaluru Junction at 5 p.m. and in the return direction, they (06212/06575) leave Mangaluru Junction at 11.30 a.m. to reach Yeshwantpur at 8.20 p.m. The train route distance between Bangalore and Mangalore is less than 300 KM but still takes about 9 to 10 hours. Typically this distance of less than 300 KM should not take more than 5 hours. I have factored in the ghat section of Sakleshpur etc where the train would run slower. Indian railways also need to seriously put all efforts to increase the speed of passenger trains on all major routes.
The addition of the vistadome coach on this is a good step by Indian railways and it will help increase tourism. The vistadome coach has wide window panes on the side and as well as in the rear. It has a good pantry with coffee machine, microwave oven and fridge. It also has transparent ceiling. Reclining seats which can move 180 degrees gives ease and better experience in viewing the outside scenery. Travelling in this vistadome coach on this route is certainly a bucketlist worth item.
Lets watch a video to get a first hand experience: