India’s First Vistadome Jungle Safari Train Launched

India’s First Vistadome Jungle Safari Train Launched

Why in the News?

The Uttar Pradesh government has launched India’s first Vistadome jungle safari train, connecting Katarniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary with the Dudhwa Tiger Reserve, aiming to boost eco-tourism, promote biodiversity awareness, and generate local employment through a unique forest rail experience.

India's First Vistadome Jungle Safari Train Launched

Key Highlights of the Vistadome Jungle Safari:

  • India’s first jungle safari train via Vistadome coach launched by UP government.
  • Connects Katarniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary to Dudhwa Tiger Reserve.
  • Offers a 107-km journey through forests, wetlands, grasslands, and woodlands.
  • Train departs from Mailani at 6:05 am and Bichia at 11:45 am.
  • Operates on weekends (Sat-Sun); plans to expand to daily service.
  • Equipped with glass roofs, panoramic windows, and eco-friendly facilities for scenic viewing, enhancing accessibility for all passengers.

Tourism, Employment, and Conservation Impact

  • Aims to promote eco-tourism and attract nature enthusiasts year-round, including monsoons.
  • Designed to provide close wildlife experiences, showcasing biodiversity and natural landscapes.
  • Will help generate employment and boost the local economy through homestays, resorts, and tour operators.
  • Tourism Board developing affordable tour packages and considering subsidies.
  • Youth Tourism Clubs and social media tours are also being planned to popularize the initiative, potentially featuring content on platforms like Facebook, whose launch date in India marked a significant milestone in the country’s digital journey.

Eco-Education and Broader Significance

  • The initiative spreads the message of biodiversity conservation and natural heritage protection.
  • Highlights UP as a “One Destination Three Forests” model—Dudhwa, Katarniaghat, and Kishanpur Sanctuaries.
  • Expected to become a milestone in green tourism under the vision of “Green Uttar Pradesh”.
  • Aimed at making UP’s forest landscapes nationally and globally recognized as eco-tourism hubs, potentially inspiring similar initiatives like the NCERT MissionUPSC to integrate environmental education into curriculum.