Journey on the Rajdhani Express: An Unforgettable Childhood Experience

I remember vividly my very first journey on the legendary Rajdhani Express. For a rail enthusiast such as myself, it was an experience that I will never forget. Let me share how it all unfolded.

Growing Fascination with Trains

My fascination with trains began in childhood, and over time, it grew exponentially. I spent countless days reading about trains and by-hearting the entire 'Trains at a Glance' book. The idea of traveling in a train was almost a dream come true. I would venture to Gondia, in the state of Maharashtra, to stay with my aunt during the summer holidays. There was only one direct train from my hometown, Bangalore, to Gondia, a weekly train that required a change of trains in Nagpur. Despite the limited options, I always longed for the thrill of the journey.

Waiting for the Rajdhani Express

The Rajdhani Express was a train I had heard much about, but never had the chance to travel on. My father was often hesitant to purchase tickets as it was too expensive for four people, and he and my parents had strict dietary preferences. I was also too young to travel alone, which added another layer of frustration. However, a turning point came during a particularly memorable summer break. My brother planned the vacation, and we managed to secure tickets for the Rajdhani Express for a journey scheduled on April 19, 2011.

The Journey Begins

We booked our tickets on March 19, 2011, and the big day was finally here. The train would depart at 8:20 PM, and we arrived at the station at 8:15 PM, a sigh of relief to finally be on board. The coach number was B4, and the seat number was 19. The train left on time, and both my cousin and I were filled with excitement. We were given bedrolls, and the train was greeted with tomato soup—which turned out to be too sour—and a Veg Thali with ice cream for dinner. We talked to our fellow passengers, and my sleep was interrupted by anticipation.

Highlights of the Journey

As the morning approached, we were offered black tea at 6:00 AM, but I declined. The train arrived at Secunderabad at 7:35 AM, which was a pleasant surprise, as it was the only place to find food along this route. The coffee was warm and inviting, and I took a break from the train to explore the station before reboarding. There was a 15-minute halt at Secunderabad due to rakes reversal, and upon resuming, I chose to sit on my side berth, opposite my cousin. We were served cutlets for breakfast along with hot water in flasks to make tea or coffee with cups and saucers and milk powder. I did not partake in the cutlets, but the tea was delightful.

We arrived at Balarshah at 12:15 PM, where we savored our lunch, again a Veg Thali, and engaged in conversations with our neighbors. These interactions were some of my fondest memories from the journey. By 3:30 PM, the voyage came to an end as the train reached Nagpur. This journey, it seems, was a dream come true, and I can never forget the experience.

Conclusion

I hope this recounting of my first journey on the Rajdhani Express brings back some cherished memories, not just for me, but for all those who share a similar affection for trains and the magical journeys they offer. Thank you for asking about this experience—such recollections are always a joy to share.