Jeypore: The state’s claim of Central negligence once again became evident following the launching of the much-awaited Vistadome coach by the Railways Wednesday.
While the long-cherished dream of Visakhapatnam tourists has been fulfilled with the plying of the super luxurious coach between Vizag and Araku, passengers travelling to the picturesque sights of Koraput have been left neglected, a report said.
The decision of the Union railway ministry to run the AC coach up to Araku of Andhra Pradesh and not extend it to Koraput reflects the attitude of the Centre towards the state, said Nabarangpur MP Balabhadra Majhi, who has been given charge to handle issues related to Railways in the Parliament. The coach has been attached to Visakhapatnam-Kirandul passenger train.
Koraput, just 70 km from Araku, has more than 20 attractive tourist destinations including the historical Jagannath Sagar (known as Dal Lake of Orissa), Gupteswar Cave and Duduma waterfall. Had it been extended up to Koraput, tourists would have enjoyed the scenic beauty apart from the promotion of tourism in Orissa, locals said.
However, the MP said efforts would be made to extend the route up to Koraput. The issue would be raised in the Parliament if the East Coast Railways fails to pay heed to the demand, Majhi told media Friday at Jeypore.
The Railways has planned four Vistadome coaches at a cost of `3.38 crore each for the first time in the country. While one has been started plying between Vizag and Araku, two more have been operating in Jammu and Kashmir. Another would come at a later stage, Railways sources said.
The coaches have been built by the Integral Coach Factory in Chennai. The attractive features of the bogie include glass ceiling, rotating seats, wide windowpanes, LED lighting and a GPS-based passenger information system.
Besides, passengers of these 40-seat coaches can enjoy facilities like food, beverages and large TV screen which are at par with amenities available for air travelers, it was learnt. PNN