• Indian Railways Him Darshan Express will start its journey from Kalka station at 7 am and reach Shimla at 12.55 pm
• Him Darshan Express has six first class AC Vistadom coaches
In a Christmas gift for its passengers, Indian Railways today unveiled Him Darshan Express comprising all-new Vistadome coaches from Kalka railway station to Shimla. This special train will commute between the Kalka and Shimla station for the next one year till December 24, 2020.
Commuters travelling in Him Darshan Express will enjoy the beautiful scenic view of the Himalayas as the train will have swanky Vistadome AC coaches with glass roof. Modified in carriage and wagon depot at Kalka, this is a first-of-its-kind train on the Kalka-Shimla route. The train will have seven coaches including one first-class sitting cum luggage room coach (FCZLR) and six first class AC Vistadom coaches. With the new modern design, the Vistadome coaches will feature top modified windows and air conditioning system, modern windows and LED bulbs. Along with the new window blinds, there will be cushioned wooden interiors for a comfortable journey.
Each Vistadome coach will have a seating capacity of 15 persons, including five window seats on both sides. The first-class coach can accommodate 14 passengers.
Him Darshan Express will be the first-ever train with Vistadome coaches by the Indian Railways that will run on a regular basis. The train will follow the concept of individual seat charter services via Passenger Reservation System (PRS) and various other online modes.
While the Him Darshan Express will start its journey from Kalka station at 7 am, the train will reach Shimla at 12.55 pm. It will take 5 hours 25 minutes to complete one-way journey. While returning, the train will leave Shimla at 3.50 pm and reach Kalka at 9.15 pm. This is the shortest route between Shimla and Kalka, claimed Indian Railways.
Customers will have to pay ₹630 to travel from Kalka to Shimla in Him Darshan Express with Vistadome coaches. On its maiden journey, Him Darshan Express registered 100% occupancy as total 90 passengers boarded the train.