Vistadome coach service begins on Madurai-Guruvayur Express, offers scenic views of Western Ghats

KOLLAM: Train passengers can now enjoy the scenic beauty of the Western Ghats through a new Vistadome coach service introduced for the first time in Kerala on the Kollam-Sengottai railway route. The Madurai-Guruvayur Express (16327) made its maiden journey with the special coach on Thursday, departing from Madurai Junction at 11.30 am and travelling to Guruvayur via Kollam.

The Vistadome coach features large glass windows and a glass roof, allowing passengers to enjoy uninterrupted views of the Western Ghats, valleys, forests, waterfalls and lush greenery along the Kollam-Sengottai route. The famous 13-Kannara Bridge is also among the major attractions passengers can view during the journey.

The Railway has introduced the coach mainly to attract tourists to the scenic route. Popular destinations such as Palaruvi, Kazhuthurutty and Courtallam waterfalls, along with the Thenmala Eco-Tourism Centre, are located along the route. The service also connects two major pilgrimage centres- the Meenakshi Amman Temple in Madurai and the Guruvayur Temple.

MPs N.K. Premachandran and Kodikunnil Suresh travelled on the inaugural service. The coach also received receptions at various locations along the route.

Trial service

The current service is being operated on a trial basis. The Vistadome coach will also be available on the return journey from Guruvayur to Madurai (Train No. 16328). The Madurai-Guruvayur service operates on Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, while the return service runs on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and Mondays.

Key features and facilities

• Rs 1,875 for the Madurai-Guruvayur journey.
• Passengers must book tickets in advance.
• The coach has executive chairs that can rotate 360 degrees.
• A single coach can accommodate 42 passengers.
• The roof and side windows can be opened to offer unobstructed views of the surroundings.
• The coach has tiled flooring.
• Modern toilet facilities are available.