India’s Vistadome train revival

The railway station in the quaint town of Waghai, nestled in India’s western Gujarat state, exudes a nostalgic charm with its modest, old-world architecture. The structure features sturdy whitewashed stone walls, a sloping metal roof supported by blue rafters and wooden pillars, reflecting a bygone era of Indian railways.

As the afternoon sun casts long shadows, a few passengers linger on the platform while others settle into their seats across three smaller coaches. At 2:30 pm, the locomotive signals its departure with a series of sharp whistles, prompting me to board the spacious main coach—a modified Vistadome car. This coach, equipped with plush seating and air conditioning, contrasts with the open-windowed compartments featuring traditional wooden benches.

With a final whistle, the NG Mix Passenger Special train gently pulls away, embarking on its narrow-gauge railway—a rarity in India today, preserved for its historical significance and tourist appeal. Established in 1913 during British colonial rule, the 63-kilometer line was built by the Gaekwad dynasty of Baroda to transport teak wood from Waghai’s forests to Bilimora. After India’s 1947 independence, the railway transitioned to passenger service but faced declining ridership, leading to its closure in 2020. Local advocacy, however, revived it a year later, offering a scenic journey.

As the train gains momentum, Waghai’s urban landscape fades, giving way to cultivated fields, verdant farms, and dense forests. The rhythmic clatter of wheels creates a soothing backdrop as the carriage gently sways, offering vistas of towering trees, dense underbrush, open meadows, and serene water bodies. The trip, spanning about three hours, captivates with its first hour up to Unai station, showcasing pristine natural beauty.

Much of the forested area forms part of Vansda National Park, an early stretch of the Western Ghats—a 1,600-kilometer-long mountain range. Renowned for its biodiversity, the park, once a royal hunting ground, covers 24 square kilometers. Its rich flora includes towering rosewood and teak trees, bamboo groves, and intricate vine clusters, supporting diverse wildlife, including the endangered forest owlet.

Passengers can observe cattle near village outskirts and spot vibrant kingfishers, black drongos, and other birds. Sacred tribal deities, represented by carved stones or wooden planks, add cultural depth to the journey. These carvings depict celestial forces and forest symbols, enriching the experience.

India’s travel industry significantly contributes to its economy, drawing millions of visitors with its blend of history, spirituality, and natural beauty. The NG Mix Passenger Special train embodies this diverse appeal, offering a unique blend of heritage and scenic charm.

As the train continues at 20 to 40 km/h, it passes quaint villages where children pause their cricket games to wave at passing travellers. The landscape alternates between rice and sugarcane fields and dense jungle, painting a vivid portrait of rural India’s serene beauty.

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