Based on feedback from passengers and experience on Deccan Express, CR to attach coach at rear of iconic Mumbai-Pune-Mumbai train to enable unrestricted panoramic views of the ghats
The vista dome coach of the Deccan Express
After deciding to give the iconic Mumbai-Pune-Mumbai Deccan Queen train the wide-windowed vista dome coach from August 15, the Central Railway (CR) has said that it will be attached to the Pune-end of the train for an unrestricted view. This was decided following feedback and suggestions from commuters. Deccan Queen will be the second train on CR Mumbai to get a vista dome coach.
The first one on the Deccan Express has been running house-full in both directions since Day 1 on June 26, but there have been complaints of the windows being blocked by engines in the rear in the ghat section where the real views are supposed to be.
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Commuters of the Deccan Queen, however, will not face that. “The journey from the Pune end begins in the morning and passengers can enjoy the view,” a senior official said.
The coach has a large trailing window in the rear, huge side windows for a panoramic view with glass on the top, too. However, on the Deccan Express, a problem arises when the train reaches Karjat, where due to the need for banking operations on the steep ghats, a couple of engines need to be attached to the rear to push and brake. This spoils the view of the ghat section.
However, railway officials said that despite the criticism, commuters have been finding the coach enjoyable due to the wide panoramic side windows and top panels.
Also read: Mumbai-Pune Deccan Queen gets Vistadome coach; bookings open from Aug 8
Sights to see
On the Mumbai-Pune section, commuters witness the scenic beauty while passing the Matheran Hill (Near Neral), Songir Hill (near Palasdhari), Ulhas River (near Jambrung), Ulhas Valley, areas of Khandala, Lonavala, etc. and waterfalls, tunnels on the Southeast Ghat section. Basic special features include rotatable seats, and pushback chairs, etc.
The rotatable seats in the coach
Bookings for the newly attached vista dome coach for the Deccan Queen (02123/02124) were opened on Sunday. Officials said only passengers with confirmed tickets will be permitted to board the special train.
15 Aug
Day Deccan Queen will start ops with vista coach
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