To boost tourism, govt launches country's 1st Vistadome jungle safari train

Indian Express

17-05-2025

The Uttar Pradesh government has introduced Vistadome coach service connecting the Katarniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary in Bahraich district to the Dudhwa Tiger Reserve in Pilibhit. This initiative marks Uttar Pradesh as the first state in the country to offer a jungle safari experience via a Vistadome train, a statement said on Saturday.
The new tourist train offers panoramic views of the forest landscape through specially designed coaches equipped with large glass windows and transparent roofs. The initiative aims to offer travellers a thrilling wildlife experience while showcasing the natural beauty of the state, said the statement.
At present, the service operates on weekends — Saturday and Sunday — but plans are being firmed up to expand it to daily operations, making it accessible to more visitors year-round. The move is expected to generate local employment opportunities and boost the region's economy.
Tourism director Prakhar Mishra said the plan is to make the state's forest areas famous nationally and internationally as 'One Destination Three Forests.' As part of this initiative, Dudhwa National Park, Katarniaghat, and Kishanpur Wildlife Sanctuary have been integrated to provide tourists with an accessible and exciting experience through the operation of the Vistadome coach.
He explained that the Uttar Pradesh Eco Tourism Development Board has launched this service to offer tourists a unique nature trail and jungle safari experience through the year. On the basis of positive feedback, there are plans to extend it to all days of the week.
Through the Vistadome coach, tourists can travel 107 km inside the forest and closely experience natural scenery, biodiversity, and wildlife. The journey lasts approximately 4 hours and 25 minutes. The train service is also affordable, with a ticket priced at Rs 275 per tourist for the route from Katarniaghat to Dudhwa National Park.
Director Mishra also mentioned that the Board is preparing a package to transport tourists from the state capital, Lucknow, to Katarniaghat. The government is considering providing subsidies on this package to make it more accessible to visitors.
He shared details about the Bichia to Mailani Tourist Passenger Train, which offers a 107-kilometre journey filled with rich biodiversity. The train departs from Bichia station in Bahraich at 11:45 am and passes through several stations before reaching Mailani station in Lakhimpur Kheri at 4:10 pm. The return service, Mailani to Bichia Tourist Passenger Train, leaves Mailani at 6:05 am and arrives at Bichia by 10:30 am.
The train stops at nine stations including Bichia, Manjhara Purab, Khairatia Bandh Road, Tikunia, Belerayan, Dudhwa, Palia Kalan, Bhira Kheri, and Mailani.
The Vistadome coach service passes through forests and wildlife sanctuaries, offering tourists close views of natural landscapes such as wetlands, grasslands, farmlands, and woodlands. This service is expected to attract visitors even during the monsoon season.
This initiative will boost tourism and generate employment opportunities at the regional level. It will also empower the local economy by involving homestay owners, resort operators and travel agents.
Currently, special curated tours are being organized weekly under the Youth Tourism Club for government school children. Also, tours for social media influencers and travel bloggers are arranged to promote the Vistadome coach experience digitally.