Sir,

This is my recent experience of travelling on the Vande Bharat Express train and it felt like a departure from the typical Indian Railways experience.

We boarded the train to Bengaluru at 5 am sharp. Shortly after, a well-dressed train attendant, adorned in a neat uniform, greeted each passenger with a welcoming rose and a warm smile. Following this pleasant surprise, we were provided with a bottle of water and a newspaper, both in English and the local language. The anticipation for    what was to come next grew.

Within minutes, another attendant arrived with a tray containing a small packet of biscuits, instant ginger tea powder, a hand sanitiser and tissues. Shortly after, another attendant brought us a cup of hot water, perfect for enjoying our morning tea. It was a delightful start to the day, leaving us feeling satisfied and content.

The night before, when my husband suggested I wear a nice dress for our journey on the Vande Bharat Express, I hesitated. I debated whether it was necessary, but eventually decided on a nice floral dress, deviating from my usual choice of warm, comfortable pants and a loose T-shirt for travel. However, after experiencing such a warm welcome and impeccable service, I now believe that dressing up was entirely justified.

The transformation of our Railways from how they used to be to their current state of cleanliness, organisation               and punctuality is truly remarkable. It’s a testament to the progress we’ve made.

This wasn’t the end of our positive experience. We were treated to a hearty, satisfying breakfast with a wide array of food items. Throughout the journey, the railway cleaning staff diligently maintained the cleanliness of the train compartments. Remarkably, the train arrived at its destination 30 minutes ahead of schedule.

Experiencing the transformation of our Indian Railways first-hand is truly eye-opening. We extend our gratitude to the Government of India and the Indian Railways for bringing about this change.

It’s also crucial for every citizen to uphold cleanliness and utilise resources responsibly. Travelling by train now rivals air travel in terms of convenience. There’s no need to trek to distant airports, endure lengthy queues for check-in, customs, or baggage collection, or wait for hours at boarding gates. Of course, travel time remains a factor in choosing the mode of transport.

With such levels of convenience, cleanliness, comfort, and most importantly, security, we should seriously consider opting for Railways over private vehicles whenever feasible. This is a testament to the progress we’ve made and fills me with pride. This is a happy face and proud Indian writing.

– Megha Nagendra, Mysuru, 13.3.2024

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