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The swanky new coaches have transparent roofs and wide windows. Your train travel to Matheran has become comfortable and the new coaches will give you a breathtaking three-dimensional view

while you chug from Neral to the hill station, 2,500 feet above sea level. The swanky rail coaches, each costing Rs25 lakh, have a transparent roof allowing passengers a 3D view of the

mountains. They were formally put into service on the Neral-Matheran mini railway train for tourists on Monday. The two first-class, five second-class coaches and one guard coach were lined

up at Neral station painted in a new colour scheme — royal blue with narrow white stripes. “The coaches will allow tourists to get a three-dimensional view of the green surroundings during

the journey. With broad windows and a transparent roof, the train will offer a 3D view,” said Sumeet Sharma, chief works manager of Parel workshop said. _DNA _had reported in June that the

Central Railway was planning to build swankier coaches for the popular 104-year-old Neral-Matheran line. “The splatter of the first rains on the transparent polycarbonate roof will add to

the atmosphere as the train will negotiate curves and gradients,” said Ashok Singh, CR spokesperson. The Matheran Light Railway was completed at a cost of Rs16 lakh (Mumbai CST was built at

the same cost) and the railway was opened to public on the April 15, 1907. “The eight new coaches have been built using superior technology and have a sturdy design. They have additional

features for a safe travel,” Sharma added. ‘More coaches are being planned and expected to arrive soon.’’ The fare for first class is Rs210 and Rs35 for second class. The fares will remain

the same. “The coaches also have advanced facilities such as mobile charging points, ivory panels, bottle and magazine in both the classes. The first-class compartment has oscillating fans

and sun-shade curtains too,” said Anil Jain, another spokesperson.