Gujarat Launches India's First Vistadome AC Bus Service at Statue of Unity; 3 More Buses Planned for Rann Utsav

Gujarat has introduced India's first Vistadome AC bus service at the Statue of Unity in Ekta Nagar, offering tourists panoramic views through transparent roofs. Each bus costs ₹2.19 crore, with three more planned for the Rann Utsav in Kutch.

Launched jointly by the Gujarat State Road Transport Corporation (GSRTC) and Gujarat Tourism, the service marks a new addition to the state's tourism transport facilities. Two of the five planned buses are currently operational, and passengers can book tickets online through the official GSRTC website.

Three More Vistadome Buses for Rann Utsav

GSRTC plans to introduce three additional Vistadome buses within the next two months. These buses are expected to operate during the Rann Utsav, allowing tourists visiting Kutch's White Desert to experience the premium travel service.

The corporation also plans to extend the service to other heritage and tourist routes across Gujarat in subsequent phases.

360-Degree Revolving Seats, Glass Roof and Premium Facilities

Each Vistadome bus costs ₹2.19 crore and features a transparent sky-view roof that allows passengers to enjoy views of the open sky and surrounding landscapes from an air-conditioned cabin.

The bus has 23 passenger seats, apart from the driver's seat. The seats can rotate 360 degrees and feature adjustable reclining arrangements, allowing passengers to enjoy panoramic views during the journey.

Other facilities include:

• Entertainment: LED smart television for passengers.
• Refreshments: Tea and coffee-making machine and a mini-fridge.
• Connectivity: Mobile charging points.
• Safety: Fire detection and suppression systems, toughened glass with emergency hammers and CCTV cameras.

The exterior of the buses features graphics showcasing Gujarat's major tourist destinations, including the Statue of Unity, Akshardham, Somnath, Dwarka, Gir, Adalaj Stepwell, Dhordo, Tarnetar and Vijay Vilas Palace.

Vistadome Experience Moves from Railways to Roads

The Vistadome concept has already gained popularity in railway tourism. Indian Railways operates such coaches on routes including the Ahmedabad–Ekta Nagar Jan Shatabdi Express and the Ahmedabad–Mumbai Central Shatabdi Express.

These railway coaches feature large glass windows and transparent roofs to provide passengers with uninterrupted views of the surrounding landscape.

Following the railway model, Gujarat has now introduced the Vistadome experience in road transport, combining premium bus facilities with sightseeing opportunities.