In the fiscal year 2023-24, the Vistadome coaches operating on Central Railway trains have emerged as a resounding success, serving a staggering 1,76,404 passengers and raking in an impressive revenue of Rs 26.50 crores.
The allure of these Vistadome coaches lies in their ability to offer passengers unparalleled views of the picturesque landscapes along various routes. Whether it’s the enchanting vistas of valleys, rivers, and waterfalls along the Mumbai-Goa route or the mesmerizing sights of the Western Ghats along the Mumbai-Pune route, these coaches, adorned with glass tops and expansive window panes, have captured the hearts of travelers.
Passenger Engagement and Revenue Breakdown
Here’s a breakdown of the performance of Vistadome coaches during FY 2023-24:
Occupancy Rates:
- The 12125/12126 Mumbai-Pune-Mumbai Pragati Express leads the pack with an astounding occupancy rate of 99.26%, accommodating 30,981 passengers.
- Following closely behind is the 11007/11008 Mumbai-Pune-Mumbai Deccan Express, boasting an occupancy rate of 97.49%, serving 31,162 passengers.
- Other notable performers include the 12051/12052 CSMT-Madgaon-CSMT Janshatabdi Express (95.49% occupancy), the 12123/12124 Mumbai-Pune-Mumbai Deccan Queen (92.72% occupancy), the 12025/12026 Pune-Secunderabad-Pune Shatabdi Express (87.84% occupancy), and the 22119/22120 Mumbai-Madgaon-Mumbai Tejas Express (77.85% occupancy).
Revenue Generation:
- The 22119/22120 Mumbai-Madgaon-Mumbai Tejas Express emerges as the revenue leader, generating Rs. 7.68 crore.
- Following closely is the 12051/12052 CSMT-Madgaon-CSMT Janshatabdi Express, contributing Rs. 6.16 crore to the revenue stream.
- Other significant revenue contributors include the 12025/12026 Pune-Secunderabad-Pune Shatabdi Express (Rs. 4.98 crore), the 12123/12124 Mumbai-Pune-Mumbai Deccan Queen (Rs. 2.72 crore), the 12125/12126 Mumbai-Pune-Mumbai Pragati Express (Rs. 2.60 crore), and the 11007/11008 Mumbai-Pune-Mumbai Deccan Express (Rs. 2.35 crore).
Expansion and Enhancement
The journey of Vistadome coaches on Central Railway traces back to their debut on the Mumbai-Madgaon Janshatabdi Express in 2018. Encouraged by the overwhelming response, Central Railway expanded their presence. A second Vistadome coach was added to the Mumbai-Madgaon route on the Tejas Express, starting September 15, 2022.
Responding to passenger demand, Central Railway extended the Vistadome experience to the Mumbai-Pune Deccan Express from June 26, 2021. Additionally, two more Vistadome coaches were attached to the Deccan Queen from August 15, 2021, and to the Pragati Express from July 25, 2022. Moreover, a Vistadome coach was introduced in the Pune-Secunderabad Shatabdi Express from August 10, 2022.
Enhanced Features
Beyond the panoramic views, Vistadome coaches boast several features aimed at enhancing passenger comfort and experience. These include wide window panes, LED lighting, rotatable seats, pushback chairs, electrically operated automatic sliding compartment doors, wide sliding doors for Divyangs, toilets with ceramic tile flooring, and the pièce de résistance – the viewing gallery.
The success story of Central Railway’s Vistadome coaches underscores not just their popularity among travelers but also their significant contribution to revenue generation, marking them as a standout addition to the Indian rail travel experience.
