Southern Railway announced the introduction of the new Executive Vistadome AC coach in a statement released on Sunday. The initiative is designed primarily to allow passengers to witness the natural beauty of the Western Ghats while travelling by train.
The railway statement said, “Passengers will be able to enjoy the routes, lush green landscapes and mountain vistas of Sengottai gap connecting Kerala and Tamil Nadu in comfort, combining the convenience of rail travel with the natural splendour of the region.”
The Executive Vistadome AC coach will be attached to Train No. 16327, the Madurai-Guruvayur Express, and will operate on Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays during the trial period. The temporary service is scheduled to run from October 22, 2026, to January 15, 2027.
According to Southern Railway, the trial period has been selected to assess passenger demand during peak tourism months, favourable weather conditions and festive seasons. The service is expected to attract tourists, families and leisure travellers seeking panoramic views during their journey.
The train will pass through the Sengottai-Punalur ghat section and the Aryankavu Pass, offering views of the Western Ghats along the route. The Vistadome coach’s expansive glass windows and glass roof are intended to provide passengers with a wider view of the surrounding landscapes.
The October-to-January operating window covers the post-monsoon and winter months, when the Western Ghats are described as particularly lush and green, with mist frequently covering the hills. These conditions are expected to provide opportunities for passengers to enjoy panoramic views through the coach’s glass roof and extra-large windows.
The trial period also coincides with major travel periods, including Diwali, Christmas and New Year holidays. It overlaps with the annual Sabarimala pilgrimage season in Kerala, another period expected to contribute to travel demand.
The introduction of the Vistadome coach has been described as a success, with expectations that the service could expand further to offer more opportunities to experience India’s natural landscapes by rail.
Bookings are reported to be open, with a basic fare of Rs 515 for the Executive Vistadome coach. The full end-to-end journey fare is stated to be Rs 1,875.
The trial will allow Southern Railway to assess demand for the premium sightseeing experience on the Madurai-Guruvayur Express, with the service scheduled to continue until January 15, 2027.
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