RailEnquiry

Travelling by train in Kashmir may very well become a spectacular experience if the Railways go in for panoramic passenger coaches as in Switzerland. The idea cropped up during recent interactions between Union Railway Minister C. P. Joshi and his Swiss counterpart Doris Leuthard.Switzerland is excellent when it comes to the running of mountain railways, besides the manufacturing and maintenance of high-altitude rolling stock and development of first-class panoramic passenger coaches. Train services have been started in the Kashmir Valley but several stretches of long tunnels and the highest bridge on the Chenab river are all under construction. The works are expected to be completed by 2017.

Clear view of Himalayan beauty

The panoramic coaches will allow a clear view of the Himalayan beauty, be it while passing through the long tunnels, climbing the slopes of the mountains or navigating the river.The experience will vary with each season, with the slopes being covered in snow, and the rivers frozen during winter. At some high-altitude points, high-velocity winds will add to the adventure.Indian Railways are looking forward to technical and commercial cooperation with Jungfrau Railway. The focus is on technical inputs from the Swiss on all aspects of running of mountain railways. Switzerland also has expertise in drilling tunnels. Dr. Joshi expressed his keenness to use the technical support of Raethische Bann Railway for the Kalka-Shimla Railway.