PAST RE-VISITED:
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Today, i would like to share a memorable day with you all.....the day of my first ever experience in a RAJDHANI EXPRESS.
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Train: 2314 Sealdah Rajdhani Express
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more...
------New Delhi to Howrah--------
------DOJ:: 23/10/10---------------(I was not a member of IRI till then )
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My first ever Rajdhani trip, which i relish till date, was in October,2010. It was 2314 Sealdah Rajdhani.
Class of travel was 3A.
Really, the experience was one of a kind. It was, being a first one, something very special for me.
Everything to come across was new, something which was just a dream till that date.
I was waiting at PF#12 of NDLS, for the train to arrive.
Then, around 16:05 Hrs, i spotted a "WHITE ENGINE", inching forward (P.S.- I had no knowledge till then of WAP's or WAG's or WAM's etc.....).
My heartbeat count rose as it came closer and closer and I was as if left with my mouth open, not able to take my eyes off this premier train…
On board------and then started a NEW EXPERIENCE FOR ME----
The train was neat to the fullest. Started on time, with 12314's SISTER, 12302 standing at adjacent platform, ready to follow 12314
I was thrilled to experience the speed of a Rajdhani, which only was my imagination and dream till then….
On departure, the attendants enquired the passengers of their food choice for dinner and at the same time provided a RAIL NEER bottle with a paper cup and napkin.
After that, I guess around 17:15-17:30, evening snacks was served. But this being my first trip, it was as if I first ate the food items “with my eyes” and then helped it to my mouth. Sohan papdi, Samosa with Ketchup, Tea/coffee kit, a sandwich and éclairs were served in a neat tray, with Menu card placed below the items, which was only to be discovered after finishing my meal..
I really enjoyed it and even more the speed, with my train speeding past many others…
The train had occasional slowdowns but followed by vigorous pick ups…..
Then around 19:00 Hrs, soup with soup sticks was served, followed by dinner around 20:00 Hrs.
The food served altogether was good, hygienic and delicious. Parantha, paneer-curry, salad, rice and dal, pickle and a cutlet were the items provided to vegetarians. For non-veg, paneer curry was alternated with chicken meal.
At last, icecream was served as dessert.
The PANTRY STAFF's behavior was good and courteous enough.
The toilets were clean.
The coach was made an even better place to live, with attendants spraying room fresheners at regular intervals.
The SPEED of the train was UNDOUBTEDLY awesome, and the train made it’s exact first halt, bang on time at Kanpur Central.
Then it was time for a good night sleep. The linens provided were clean.
In the morning, I woke up to find the tea being served by staff to all the passengers.
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The train was scheduled to halt next at DHN, and was on time, as per the info I gathered from one of the pantry boy.
Then, after departure from DHN, breakfast was served followed by tea/coffee kit and at last a soft drink
Overall Journey concluded well, and the train arrived on time at Sealdah.
It was something, which I, now as a railfan, will no forget ever..
MY PERSONAL RATINGS :
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Food: 9/10
Staff Behavior: 9.5/10
Neatness:10/10
Speed: 9/10
Punctuality:10/10
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Thanks all for reading
:))
