Kochi: Views of the stunning Thenmala Ghat and rural backdrops will now get closer for rail passengers along the Kollam-Punalur-Sengottai route from next week with Southern Railway introducing Vistadome coaches on the Madurai-Guruvayur Express.
The development, confirmed by Mavelikkara MP Kodikunnil Suresh, is expected to boost tourism along the section. Consequently, the train will become the first service in state to get the wide glass windows and glass-panelled roof synonymous with Vistadome coaches.
The ghat section features five mountain tunnels, including the roughly 1-km-long Aryankavu tunnel, offering postcard-worthy views at every turn. The 13-arch bridge, popularly known as the Pathimoonu Kannara Bridge, near Kazhuthurutti is another attraction. Train number 16327 (Madurai to Guruvayur) will run with the specially designed coaches from Oct22 to Jan 15, 2027. Train number 16328 (Guruvayur to Madurai) will operate with the coaches from Oct 23 to Jan 16, 2027.
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It is a fantastic opportunity to blend comfort with nature, making it ideal for vacationers, nature lovers and family getaways,” MP Suresh said. “We’ll analyse the response and decide whether to extend the deployment of the coaches or not,” said a railway official. A Vistadome coach is designed for travellers and families who want to immerse themselves fully in the breathtaking landscapes along the route. Featuring wide glass windows and glass-panelled roofs, these specialized coaches offer panoramic, unobstructed views of lush green valleys, winding rivers, and rolling hills. The Thenmala Ghat section along the railway line offers a scenic mountain pass through Western Ghats. Built over a century ago by the British, the grand stone bridge was constructed using traditional materials like lime, jaggery and brick paste. Surrounded by green hills, forests, and mountain tunnels, it offers a stunning view. The Vistadome service will be operational for a special seasonal window. Download the TOI App.
“The introduction of this coach builds upon earlier successful efforts to establish the Madurai-Guruvayur Express service itself.