If you happen to take the Jan Shatabdi Express from Dadar to Madgaon on the Mumbai-Goa route, you can enjoy the picturesque landscape of Western Ghats through the Vistadome glass roof of the air-conditioned coach, thanks to Saint-Gobain.

Saint-Gobain has designed and supplied glass panels for the roof that comprises of two different kinds of glass variants. The rooftop panel is made of SGG Priva-Lite, a glass that becomes transparent/translucent at the click of a switch. This glass is paired with SGG Planitherm Ultra, a thermal insulation glass that helps maintain optimum day-lighting without glare and helps maintain the indoor air-conditioning at a desired temperature irrespective of the climate outside. The composite 33mm thick unit also provides acoustic insulation.

These specially designed panels provide stellar views to commuters, while giving them the comfort of solar and thermal control on exceptionally sunny days. The coach features a dome design with large windows, and an observation lounge for panoramic views on the Mumbai- Goa route.

“Saint Gobain has been successfully making innovative, high-performance and energy-efficient glass solutions. We are delighted to partner with Indian Railways to transform train travel in India and make it luxurious with a beautiful view of the landscape,” said Santhanam, president and MD–Flat Glass (South Asia, Malaysia & Egypt), Saint-Gobain.

 Key features of the Vistadome coach, manufactured at Integral Coach Factory (ICF), Perambur, Chennai

• Wide windowpanes & roof of switchable glass, that becomes transparent or translucent at the click of a switch
• LED lights
• Rotatable seats, pushback chairs
• GPS based info system
• Multiple television screens
• Electrically operated automatic sliding compartment doors