Railway minister Suresh Prabhu launched the dedicated Vistadome tourist coach to the nation through videoconferencing from here.
The coach will be fixed into a train running between Visakhapatnam and Araku (around 115 km) under the East Coast Railway (ECoR) zone.
Vistadome coaches features like glass windows and roof, LED lights, rotatable seats and GPS based info system will offer tourists a panoramic view of the Araku valley not only at the destination but also along the journey.
The coach, manufacturing cost of which is Rs 3.38 crore, has electrically operated automatic sliding compartment doors, wide side door for physically challenged persons, toilets with ceramic tile flooring and walls with all fittings and good food services.
This is a first of its kind in the country to promote local and rural tourism.
Araku valley is internationally famous and the ride from Visakhapatnam to Araku and back is something that tourists from all over India enjoy.
The railway minister also laid foundation stone for mechanised laundry at Visakhapatnam and inaugurated Life Line Express-Sindhudurg of Konkan Railway through videoconferencing at ECoR railway headquarters here.
Mechanised Laundry will significantly improve the quality of linen leading to enhanced passenger satisfaction. It will be installed by September this year at the cost of INR 24.08 crore.
The Life Line Express, medical on wheels, will be a great help to the poor patients. The people can get treatment facility at affordable prices.
