Kalka-Shimla railway line to get makeover with indigenously manufactured Vistadome coaches
New Delhi: The historic Kalka-Shimla Railway, which has been in service for 120 years, is set to undergo a remarkable transformation with the introduction of new Vistadome coaches. These coaches, designed and manufactured by the Rail Coach Factory (RCF) in Punjab's Kapurthala, feature glass roofs, mini pantries, and bio-toilets, offering passengers a unique and scenic travel experience.
The RCF unveiled four advanced Vistadome narrow-gauge coaches
The narrow-gauge rolling stock, developed by RCF, is the first indigenously produced train coach of its kind and bears a resemblance to the iconic red-coloured Swiss narrow-gauge carriages. On Monday, the RCF unveiled four advanced Vistadome narrow-gauge coaches for the heritage track of the Kalka-Shimla Railway, which is also recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The Kalka-Shimla Railway stretches across 96.6 kilometres and operates on a 0.762-metre gauge. It was inaugurated in November 1903, only 12 years after the Delhi railway line was connected to Kalka in 1891.
RCF created 3D models based on old blueprints and sketches from the Kalka workshop
The RCF faced significant challenges in designing and manufacturing the rolling stock for the Kalka-Shimla Railway. The absence of digital data for modeling narrow-gauge tracks and the unavailability of design assumptions and procedures posed obstacles. To overcome these hurdles, the RCF created 3D models based on old blueprints and sketches from the Kalka workshop. These models formed the foundation for developing new bogie designs, shell superstructure, and furnishing designs.
RCF manufactured 2 prototype shells in Sept 2022
After receiving final approval from the Railway Board in February 2022, the RCF manufactured two prototype shells in September 2022. These shells underwent testing by the Research Designs and Standards Organisation (RDSO) in October 2022 for static stress analysis to assess their performance under normal and overload conditions.
In December 2022, two semi-furnished shells, an AC chair car and a power, luggage, and guard car, were transported to Kalka by road. These shells were then fitted with bogies manufactured at the Kalka Workshop and coupled with existing coaches of older designs. Multiple trial runs were conducted between Kalka and Shimla to test the stability, ride quality, and speed capabilities of the new coaches.
RCF proceeded with interior development based on new design
Following successful testing, the RCF proceeded with the interior development based on the new design. The coaches, which include an AC executive car, an AC chair car, a non-AC chair car, and a power-cum-luggage and guard car, will undergo a trial run on the heritage track before being put into service. They have been handed over to the Kalka railways, according to RCF General Manager Ashesh Agrawal.
Vistadome coaches bear resemblance to renowned Bernina Express in Switzerland
Upon clearance from the Commissioner of Railway Safety, the Vistadome coaches will be officially launched. The Railway Board will decide the date for their inaugural run. Agrawal noted that the Vistadome coaches bear resemblance to the renowned Bernina Express in Switzerland, which operates on a mountainous rail track.
Interior features
The interior features of the Vistadome coaches include noise and vibration proofing, anti-UV-coated window glasses, bio-toilets, power windows in upper classes, darkening vista glass in upper classes, slide windows in the second class, powered doors, heating/cooling packages, linear concealed fans, linear LED lights, modular seating with rail-mounted flip-back seats resembling aircraft seats, restaurant seating with luxury executive seats, a mini pantry, luggage bins, and a vestibule.
Railway Board has authorised RCF to manufacture 30 Vistadome coaches for Kalka-Shimla line
The Railway Board has authorised the Rail Coach Factory (RCF) to manufacture 30 Vistadome coaches for the Kalka-Shimla line. Additionally, they have given the green light for the production of these coaches for the Kangra Valley line. According to Ashesh Agrawal, the General Manager of RCF, each Vistadome coach is estimated to cost around Rs 1.3 crore.
The Kalka-Shimla Railway holds historical significance as it was initially established by the British in 1903 to connect Shimla. In 2009, the rail track was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site. The railway line features a total of 103 tunnels, 800 bridges, 919 curves, and 18 railway stations, creating a unique and picturesque journey for travellers.
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