Vistadome coach on Mumbai-Pune route a hit despite no view

Railway officials say people are loving the vistadome coach as it offers them the experience of being with the nature

The vistadome coach introduced on the Mumbai-Pune route has caught the imagination of the public with its bookings going full. This is despite criticism over the lack of a panoramic view in the ghats due to engines attached behind and in the front during the return journey.

Introduced on June 26, this is the second such train from Mumbai, the first one being on the Goa route.

The train has a large trailing window in the rear, huge side windows for panoramic view with windows on the top too. However, the problem arises when the train reaches Karjat, where a couple of engines need to be attached to the rear for pushing and braking to help the train negotiate the steep ghats. The engines spoil the view of the ghat section.

In the return journey too, the vistadome coach takes the first position behind the engine, blocking the trailing window view for the entire journey for which there had been criticism. However, railway officials said commuters have been lining up to book a ride on the coach.

"The coach capacity is about 44 seats, and the occupancy has been over 90 per cent at any given time during both the journeys," Central Railway's chief public relations officer Shivaji Sutar said. The official said the coach offers the experience of being with nature while travelling close to Matheran hill, Songir hill (near Palasdhari), Ulhas River (near Jambrung), Ulhas Valley, scenic areas of Khandala and Lonavala, waterfalls and through tunnels. He said users are also loving the wide window panes, glass rooftop, rotatable seats, and pushback chairs.

The 01007 Deccan Express special leaves Mumbai CSMT at 7am daily and the train from Pune starts at 3.15 pm. The CSMT-Pune fare is '835, while it is '655 till Lonavala.
The train halts at Dadar, Thane, Kalyan, Neral (for 01007 only), Lonavala, Talegaon, Khadki and Shivaji Nagar. Officials said only passengers having confirmed tickets will be permitted to board this special train, adhering to all norms, SOPs related to Covid-19.

Rs 835
Ticket cost for the vistadome coach between Mumbai and Pune