Visakhapatnam: The first-of-its kind in India and the much-awaited glass-domed train between Vizag and Araku, which has been eluding the locals and tourists, would hit the track this December. With the launching of the train, tourism in Vizag would get the much- needed boost this year. Thousands of tourists throng the picturesque Araku every year. According to officials at Waltair railway division of the East Coast Railway, Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) is all set to introduce the project, which has already been delayed.
The state-of-the-art train coaches having glass ceiling and with ultramodern infotainment system have been jointly designed by the Research, Designs and Standards Organisation (RDSO), and Integral Coach Factory (ICF), Perambur (Chennai) and IRCTC. "Three such coaches will roll out from ICF, Perambur in December this year. The first coach will be connected in a regular train in the Kashmir Valley while the other two will be part of some train passing through the picturesque Araku Valley on the K-K Line, of the Waltair railway division," IRCTC chairman and managing director Dr A.K. Manocha had informed.
The manufacturing cost of a single coach is Rs 4 crore. The coaches will be ultra luxurious with rotatable chairs to provide the passengers an aerial view through the partial glass ceiling. “We have been waiting for the launch of the modern train since it was announced. I hope security concerns or any other issues as apprehended do not come in the way. It would be really a game changer for the Vizag tourism if introduced successfully,” said M. Arjun, an avid traveller.
