Junagadh: In a move to boost tourism in the Gir region, the Railway Department has decided to introduce special glass-roof “Vistadome coaches” on meter gauge trains operating in and around Sasangir.

The Bhavnagar Division will add two such coaches to existing services, offering an enhanced travel experience for tourists on the scenic route from Sasangir to Kasia Ness.

These coaches will feature all-glass panels and 360-degree revolving seats, allowing passengers to enjoy panoramic views of the Gir forest. The coaches are currently being modified in Bikaner, Rajasthan, and are expected to be introduced on trains passing through Talala within the next three months.

Sasangir, known as the gateway to Gir National Park, attracts around eight lakh tourists annually for lion sightings and wildlife tourism. The meter gauge railway line passing through the region, particularly between Talala and Sasangir and onward to Kasia Ness, runs through reserved forest areas, offering a unique travel experience.

Trains on this route operate at a restricted speed of around 30 kmph to ensure passenger safety and to allow tourists to enjoy the natural surroundings and spot wildlife, including Asiatic lions.

The lush greenery during the monsoon further enhances the visual appeal of the Gir forest, making the journey especially attractive for visitors.

The decision to introduce the new coaches was discussed during a meeting involving senior railway officials, the Forest Department, and members of the hotel industry at Sasan Gir.

Meanwhile, the Central Government has also conducted a survey to declare the meter gauge route from Talala–Sasan–Visavadar–Junagadh as a heritage railway track. DeshGujarat