Satabdi Experience

15th Feb 2006, 4:25 pm

Mysore-Chennai Satabdi Express took off from Bangalore Central on its way to Chennai and along with it, flagged off my first journey in an A/C Compartment of Indian Railways - courtesy TCS.

Sitting by the window seat of first row in the chair-compartment, I looked out through the paned glass. The evening sun appeared like a glowing globe sprinting along with us. Inside, the conditioned air was cool and soothing and I took a deep breath to fill it in my lungs. As the train sped on, my thoughts went back to my last travel to Chennai. It was a couple of months back in the general compartment of Bangalore-Chennai Exp. stretching on the floor with fellow passengers and their luggage. The ticket cost me Rs.100, but now the ticket in my hand read Rs.575. Two contrasts of the world. No wonder why this world is after money.

My thoughts were disturbed by a pantry person came up with a food tray. I didn't know this journey provides these additional delicacies. I gleefully accepted the pleasant surprise - a cup of coca-cola, a bottle of mineral water and the daily newspaper to kill the time. I cleared the tray and was about to have a nap, when another person came, this time with snacks - Bread, Gulab-Jamoon, a cup of Hot Soup and few Toffees.

I cleared up the snacks tray and the snacks cleared up my sleep. I glanced through the daily, but it was as if I am not supposed to do anything but just eat on. There stood the person again. Now with crisp Samosa, bread & butter and a hot coffee.

Sipping the coffee I looked out. Sun had disappeared. It was already dark and few lights were glowing at a distance. I was so busy eating that I hardly noticed the time. The train had no stops in between and I had no idea where I am. I relaxed on the seat for some time till it was time, to say dinner. In this train it was as if they are looking for a chance to make us eat something! Yes, dinner was knocking at me - Rumali Roti, Jeera rice, Dal curry with Curd.

It was more like a journey of delicacies really making me exhausted. But it was not over - there came the cup of vanilla ice-cream for a cool end for a long journey. Time read 10 pm and train came to a halt. I heard the announcement - “Chennai Central welcomes you ".