Vandae Bharat Express

 I was on a business trip to Pondicherry Friday, and with direct flights being suspended by SpiceJet, the next option was to go to Madras (350 Km) and take a cab for 3 1/2 Hr journey. (Luckily the Mfg site is 25 km ahead of Pondy City en route, so you don't have city traffic hassle both ways). 

I tried the option of taking the train to Madras and the newly Introduced Vande Bharat Express to Madras. The train is an upgraded Shatabdi Express (4 1/4 hrs vs 5 1/2 for Shatabdi) but with a greater metal finish of coach,Silver white engine/coaches, similar to Shinkansen. It has better quality seats, Nice footrests, and Power supply at each seat.  First time in an Indian train, the doors close automatically so the thrill of leaning out of the train at 120Km/hr is gone. The internal doors also open and close automatically sensing passengers' movement. Also, the biggest improvement is the Toilets and looks like it is up there at last without the smell and dirt. Of course, there are a couple of support staff to clean the floor, and toilets constantly and I was bemused when dirt, and thrash kept appearing on floor. Are Indians so bad?? I expected a Paid WIFI and it was not there. Snacks are also sold for a price besides free 1 time snacks and that is a big improvement from Shatabdi. The snack was of good quality. 

Oh yes! As for Journey, the train's true Indian tradition was 110 min late at one time and ended up at Madras Central being 70 min late at 830pm. The consolation was seeing Kilometers still to go to Madras, as well as current speed, some memory of seeing the same at Shanghai Maglev.  (At one stage the driver hit speed of 135 Km/ hr) !!! Vandae Bhart is a good one to try one time for the experience! As the fare is close to the Airline fare (Rs1800 Exec Class vs Rs 2100 Airfare!). Yes, you have to put up with Narendra Modi appearing every 5 min flagging of the train!! hahahah!!! True to the train journey of the old days of the 80s I carried a Printed Book, and could do 50%!! 

India is way way behind for Bullet Trains or Eurostar but this is a very good beginning.! Oh Yes I won't mind paying another 50% more for a mobile free coach. The conversation jibber/  noise is just sickening one reason I would any day prefer air travel and stick to it! Oh yes, My First Shatabdi journey will linger more, as it was a game changer from 40 Km /hr to 80 Km/hr. (2000, I think, Bombay- Vapi). 

I took the Airway back home last night, and that flight too was an hour late reaching home at 1 am!! The biggest shock was the last 6km to Madras Airport, which took 70 min giving me anxious moments. My Driver Anbu told me he had never seen such a traffic jam in his 15 years of life driving Madras. The mystery was unraveled this morning as it was due to the arrival of the President of India Ms. Draupadi Murmu into the city.. (No Wonder!). 

Golden Gate rereading after 42 years! 

My policy of no food between 2 to 7pm made me carry it home!! it is lying now at kitchen! hahhah! I had the perishables at 10 pm with Dinner as starters! 

Enroute to South TN, try this Restaurant 99Km from Madras, it is an Amazingly, very different type of food (millet, Red Rice etc in breakfast items!). This is being run by an Airforce veteran. 

Regards

Karthik

6th Aug 2023.