The long delayed Vistadome trains in Kashmir finally to start operations after abrogation of Article 370?

The 5th of August marked a tectonic shift in the nation’s history. After 7 decades of Jammu & Kashmir having a separate constitution for itself, the former state which is now a Union Territory has been finally integrated fully with the Indian Union.

With Articles 370 and 35A now abrogated, circumstances in the valley are expected to improve after a period of turbulence in the short-run. It is also expected that the Valley will be opened up for investment and business opportunities. The tourism industry, too, is expected to receive a significant boost.

One of the proposed ventures of the Railways Ministry to help boost tourism in the Valley that has been held up thus far due to terrorism and violence is the Vistadome train. Union Minister for Railways, Piyush Goyal, had announced in 2018 that Vistadome trains will run in Kashmir which will enable passengers to experience the scenic beautify of the region while travelling.

However, the train has been parked at Badgam railway station since last year. Even after the trial was completed, the train couldn’t be opened for the public. The reason was that due to violence in the valley, it was feared by local authorities and the railways’ administration that the train could be susceptible to attacks by stone-pelters which could threaten the passengers’ safety.

Recently, the train was given a green signal for service. Thus, it appears extremely probable that the proposed Vistadome train will finally be available for tourists to enjoy. Vistadome trains have glass ceilings that are made of glass and the windows are significantly larger as well so as to enhance the passengers’ visual experience.

https://twitter.com/PiyushGoyal/status/988442427802431488?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
The train is supposed to run from Banihal to Baramulla through Anantnag, Srinagar, and Badgam.

https://twitter.com/PiyushGoyal/status/1074720233322094592?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
Due to violence in the valley, train services had to be stopped partially 60 times and on 30 occasions, services had to be stopped completely. With things expected to return to normalcy soon, tourists may finally get to experience the travel on a Vistadome train which promises to be enthralling.

OpIndia Staff: Staff reporter at OpIndia