Srinagar, March 3, 2025-In a significant boost to Kashmir’s burgeoning tourism sector, Northern Railways has announced the extension of the special Vistadome train service between Budgam and Banihal until March 31, 2025. Initially slated to conclude earlier, this extension underscores a strategic push to enhance the travel experience for tourists while capitalising on the region’s growing appeal as a winter destination.
The Vistadome train, known for its glass-domed coaches offering panoramic 360-degree views of Kashmir’s breathtaking landscapes, has become a major draw for visitors. Operating daily except Fridays as train numbers 04688 (Budgam-Banihal) and 04687 (Banihal-Budgam), the service will now provide additional trips through the end of March. “This extension is a deliberate effort to cater to the rising demand from passengers and promote scenic journeys through the Valley,” said Himanshu Shekhar Upadhyay, Chief Public Relations Officer of Northern Railways.
Tourism remains the backbone of Kashmir’s economy, supporting not just one sector but a web of allied industries—hotels, transport, handicrafts, and local businesses—that thrive on the influx of visitors. The Vistadome service, with its 40-seat capacity, wide windows, revolving chairs, and glass roof, offers an unparalleled way to experience the snow-capped mountains, lush valleys, and serene fields along the 90-kilometer route. Priced at ₹940 for a one-way ticket and ₹1,880 for a round trip, the train stops at key stations including Srinagar, Awantipora, Anantnag, and Qazigund, making it a convenient and scenic option for explorers.
Local stakeholders have hailed the move as a game-changer for “Badalta Kashmir” (Changing Kashmir). “The extension of the Vistadome service into the peak winter season will attract more tourists, especially those eager to witness Kashmir’s snow-laden beauty. It’s a step toward showcasing Naya Kashmir (New Kashmir) to the world,” said a Srinagar-based tour operator. The train’s all-weather AC coaches, designed to withstand extreme conditions, ensure comfort even as temperatures plummet, further enhancing its appeal.
Launched on October 19, 2023, by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, the Vistadome service has already elevated rail tourism in the region. With Jammu and Kashmir hosting a record-breaking 1.88 crore tourists in 2023 alone, initiatives like these signal a robust effort to sustain and amplify this growth. “Tourism doesn’t just bring revenue—it sustains livelihoods and preserves our culture. The Vistadome is a bridge connecting visitors to the soul of Kashmir,” noted a local artisan whose business has flourished with the tourist boom.
As the Valley transforms under ambitious infrastructure projects like the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL), the Vistadome extension aligns with the broader vision of a connected, thriving Kashmir. With the upcoming launch of the Vande Bharat Express on the horizon, the region is poised to cement its status as a premier global destination. For now, the Vistadome’s extended run promises to keep the momentum going, offering travellers a front-row seat to the evolving story of “Naya Kashmir.”