Guwahati: The tourism industry in Assam’s Dima Hasao district is set to take a hit following Indian Railways’ decision to permanently cancel the Guwahati–Badarpur–Guwahati Vistadome Express, a scenic rail service that had become a key draw for visitors to Haflong and nearby areas.
According to an official railway notification, the service will be withdrawn with effect from January 1, 2026, a move that is expected to adversely affect tourist inflow, local businesses and travel connectivity in the region.
The Vistadome train had emerged as a key attraction for visitors exploring Haflong and its surrounding areas, offering panoramic views of the district’s natural landscape. The train was the only tourist train service operating between Guwahati and Badarpur via Haflong, running twice a week on Wednesdays and Saturdays.
Railway authorities have stated that the Vistadome coaches will be attached to the Sairang–Guwahati Express following the cancellation.
Tourism stakeholders in Dima Hasao have expressed concern over the decision, describing it as a significant blow to the local economy, which had benefitted from the steady rise in tourist arrivals since the introduction of the service.
They have urged the Railway authorities and the government to reconsider the decision or introduce an alternative tourist-friendly train service to ensure connectivity and sustain tourism in the hill district.
The Vistadome coaches were introduced in the Dima Hasao region with the launch of the Guwahati–New Haflong Vistadome Tourist Special Train on August 28, 2021, with the objective of promoting tourism in the hill district. It was the first Vistadome service under the Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR).
ALSO READ: Assam Congress leader urges PM Modi to order probe into KAAC chief over house demolition
Equipped with large glass windows, observation lounges, rotational seating, Wi-Fi connectivity and digital entertainment systems, the coaches offered an immersive travel experience and quickly gained popularity among tourists seeking scenic rail journeys through the Northeast.
