State Sets New Benchmark in Eco-Tourism with Scenic Forest Rail Experience
Lucknow, May 17 – In a pioneering step to enhance eco-tourism, the Uttar Pradesh government has launched India’s first Vistadome coach service offering a jungle safari experience through train. The new tourist service connects Katarniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary with Dudhwa Tiger Reserve, setting a national precedent for combining wildlife tourism with panoramic rail travel.Unmatched Scenic Views and Wildlife Experience
Equipped with large glass windows and transparent rooftops, the Vistadome coaches provide travellers with stunning, uninterrupted views of forests, wetlands, and grasslands. Covering a 107-kilometre journey, the train offers an immersive experience of the state's rich biodiversity, taking approximately 4 hours and 25 minutes. Tickets are priced affordably at ₹275 per person.The train service currently operates on weekends, with plans to extend it to daily operations, making the experience more accessible to tourists.
Boost to Eco-Tourism and Local Economy
Tourism Director Prakhar Mishra highlighted that this initiative aligns with Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s vision to promote the forest regions of Uttar Pradesh as a unified eco-tourism destination under the theme "One Destination, Three Forests." The integration of Dudhwa National Park, Katarniaghat, and Kishanpur Wildlife Sanctuary into a single circuit aims to enhance tourist accessibility and promote sustainable tourism.The Uttar Pradesh Eco Tourism Development Board is spearheading the project, offering year-round jungle safari adventures and nature trails through the Vistadome experience. The service is also expected to create employment opportunities and stimulate economic activity in the surrounding regions.
Route and Schedule Details
The Bichia to Mailani Tourist Passenger Train (Train No. 52259) departs from Bichia station in Bahraich at 11:45 AM and arrives at Mailani station in Lakhimpur Kheri at 4:10 PM. The return train (Train No. 52260) leaves Mailani at 6:05 AM and reaches Bichia by 10:30 AM.The train halts at nine stations: Bichia, Manjhara Purab, Khairatia Bandh Road, Tikunia, Belerayan, Dudhwa, Palia Kalan, Bhira Kheri, and Mailani. Along the way, passengers are treated to vistas of natural landscapes, including woodlands and farmlands, with the added possibility of wildlife sightings.
Special Tours and Promotional Campaigns
In a bid to foster greater public engagement, the Youth Tourism Club is organizing weekly curated tours for government school students. Plans are also underway to host influencer and travel blogger trips to digitally amplify the Vistadome coach experience.Additionally, the government is developing a travel package from Lucknow to Katarniaghat, with potential subsidies to encourage broader participation.
With this initiative, Uttar Pradesh is not only transforming wildlife tourism but also reinforcing its position as a leader in sustainable travel innovation.