Vistadome train service now operational in the forests of Uttar Pradesh -

Visitors can enjoy jungle safari on special train from Katarniaghat to Dudhwa Tiger Reserve in UP
Yogi government introduces Vistadome coach service to boost eco-tourism and travel
Tourist facility available year-round at Rs 275 for an exciting ride
Eco Tourism Development Board starts Vistadome service on Saturdays and Sundays in first phase
Service to expand to all weekdays following positive response
Train offers close-up views of natural scenery, biodiversity, and wildlife for visitors

Lucknow:

In a major push to promote eco-tourism and attract nature lovers, the Yogi Adityanath-led government in Uttar Pradesh has introduced a first-of-its-kind Vistadome coach service connecting the Katarniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary to the Dudhwa Tiger Reserve. This initiative marks Uttar Pradesh as the first state in the country to offer a jungle safari experience via a Vistadome train.

The new tourist train offers breathtaking panoramic views of the forest landscape, thanks to specially designed coaches equipped with large glass windows and transparent roofs. The initiative aims to offer travelers a thrilling wildlife experience while showcasing the natural beauty of the state.

Currently, the service operates on weekends — Saturday and Sunday — but plans are underway to expand it to daily operations, making it accessible to more visitors year-round. Not only will this initiative give a new dimension to nature-based tourism, but it is also expected to generate local employment opportunities and boost the region’s economy.

Tourism director Prakhar Mishra said that CM Yogi is working hard 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 throughout the year. Currently, the service is available only on Saturdays and Sundays, but based on positive feedback, there are plans to extend it to all days of the week.

Through the Vistadome coach, tourists can travel 107 kilometers 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 quite affordable, with a ticket priced at just Rs 275 per tourist for the route from Katarniaghat to Dudhwa National Park.

The Director 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 further shared details about the Bichia to Mailani Tourist Passenger Train (No. 52259), which offers a 107-kilometer 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 (No. 52260), leaves Mailani at 6:05 AM and arrives at Bichia by 10:30 AM.

The train stops at nine stations in total: Bichia, Manjhara Purab, Khairatia Bandh Road, Tikunia, Belerayan, Dudhwa, Palia Kalan, Bhira Kheri, and finally Mailani.

The Vistadome coach service not only passes through forests and wildlife sanctuaries, but also offers 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. Additionally, fame tours for social media influencers and travel bloggers are arranged to promote the Vistadome coach experience digitally. This effort not only raises awareness but also spreads the message of conserving the state’s natural resources and biodiversity.

Thanks to the visionary leadership of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and coordinated efforts by the Uttar Pradesh Eco Tourism Board, the Vistadome coach service is becoming a milestone for eco-tourism in the state. It offers tourists an exciting travel experience while marking a significant step toward the goal of a ‘Green Uttar Pradesh.’