Vistadome coach on Pune-Mumbai route a hit among passengers

The Vistadome coach on the Mumbai Pune Deccan Express has received an overwhelming response from passengers According to the Railways, there was a 100 per cent response initially when the coach was launched on June 26 this year. The Deccan Express recorded 95% occupancy in July, 97% in August, and 92% in September.

The Central Railway (CR) added the Vistadome coach to the Mumbai-Pune Deccan Queen Superfast Express on August 15, 2021, based on the early response to the train service. In August, the Deccan Queen was 92% occupied, and in September, it was 79%.

Shivaji Sutar, chief public relations officers (CPRO), Central Railways, said, “There is a huge demand for the Vistadome coach on Deccan Express and also Deccan Queen. Many passengers like to enjoy the panoramic view through the gallery.”

The officials further added that weekends are completely booked, with Deccan Express giving 44 tickets at $835 per seat and Deccan Queen offering 40 seats at $905 per seat.

Jaydeep Hinge, a passenger, said, “Features like toilet occupancy indicators, foldable trays in seats, charging point for each seat, curtains for windows, automatically operating doors, seat numbers and other important information in Braille is helpful. But the best part about this coach is the viewing gallery.”

Kaushik Lele, a passenger stated, “I enjoyed the broad windows that provide a panoramic view of the ghats through the coach.”

Alka Pathiyan, a passenger, said, “The timing of the Deccan Express is better for viewing the scenery which is the primary reason for the coach.”

Pallavi Shirish, another traveller, stated, “The charges are expensive in comparison to the distance and are not suited for a family of four to five members.”