The picturesque Shimla looks ethereal this time of the year. Snow-clad mountains, trees wearing a white cloak… everything looks too beautiful to be true. Road trip definitely can let you enjoy the mesmerising beauty, bit what if you can meander through the forests and feel the snow in the wild?
The Indian Railways have come up with a special Christmas gift for its passengers this season. Intending to boost tourism, the Northern Railway started the Him Darshan Express yesterday. It would provide its passengers with a breath-taking panoramic view of Himalayas as they travel on the Kalka-Shimla route.
The Him Darshan Express is a swanky seven-coach air-conditioned first-class glass-roofed Vistadome train. It will commute between the two stations for one year till December 24, 2020.
Features
Modified in carriage and wagon depot at Kalka, this is a one-of-its-kind train on this route.
Its features are as follows:
- Seven Coaches
The red coloured train will have one first-class sitting cum luggage room coach (FCZLR). The remaining six will be first-class AC Vistadom coaches.
- Modern Design
The Vistadom coaches will feature modified windows and air conditioning systems, modern windows and LED bulbs. There will be cushioned wooden interiors for a comfortable journey.
- Window Roller Blinds
The engineers have thoughtfully provided window roller blinds for the glass roof. These would help combat the intense light and heat coming inside the coach during peak summers.
- Seating Capacity
Each Vistadome coach will have a seating capacity of 15 passengers. This is including five window seats on both sides and five aisle seats. The first-class coach can accommodate 14 persons.
Fare Details
A single journey will cost ₹630 per person. The railways have decided to not give any concession on the tickets booked for this journey.
Timings
| Departure | Arrival | |
| Kalka to Shimla | 7 am | 12.55 pm |
| Shimla to Kalka | 3:50 pm | 9.15 pm |
It will take 5 hours 25 minutes to complete a one-way journey. As per Indian Railways, this is the shortest route. It will run daily. Him Darshan Express will be the first-ever train with Vistadome coaches by the Indian Railways.
Ticket Booking
Booking for the Vistadome train will be available through the passenger reservation system.
As per railway authorities, on its maiden journey, Him Darshan Express registered 100 percent occupancy. A total of 90 passengers boarded the train.
News Source: The Tribune & Livemint
Image Source: Google Images