My First Ride on the Vande Bharat Express

A Memorable Journey to the Foothills of Himachal in Vande Bharat

My first trip on the Vande Bharat Express was an incredible experience. This semi-high-speed train is a source of national pride, and my family and I were excited to travel from Delhi to Amb Andaura for our vacations. The journey with my mom and sister was smooth, with stunning views of the countryside that made the trip truly special. The Vande Bharat Express made our trip to our hometown in Himachal a cherished memory.

Tips for Planning Your Vande Bharat Journey

If you’re planning your own trip, here are a few things to keep in mind:

Booking Your Tickets: Tickets for popular routes like this one can sell out fast, especially for the last-minute travelers. We used the IRCTC website to book our tickets for the Chair Class (CC) in advance. It’s also worth noting that you can choose to book your tickets with or without a meal included. We opted for the vegetarian meal option.
What to Pack: The train provides many comforts, but it’s always a good idea to pack some essentials. A good book, a power bank for your phone, and a travel pillow can make the journey even more comfortable. Don’t forget to lock and chain for your luggage.

Safety Tips for Every Train Traveller

Stay Alert: It’s important to be aware of your surroundings, even as train travel becomes safer. Always keep an eye on your belongings and be cautious.
Engage with Fellow Travelers: Talking to other passengers can be a pleasant way to pass the time. However, it’s crucial to trust your instincts and maintain a comfortable distance if you feel uneasy.
Use Official Channels: For any help you need, always go to the official railway staff. Never accept food or drinks from strangers.

Our Experience: From the Station to the Scenery

We woke up at 4 a.m. to get to the New Delhi railway station on time. It was a new experience for us, so we decided to hire a coolie to help us with our bags and find our platform. The train was already waiting when we got there, a beautiful, modern marvel. The coolie helped us settle in and put our luggage on the overhead shelves.

The doors closed automatically, and the train began its journey. It started slowly, but once we left Delhi, it picked up speed and offered us a truly smooth ride. The staff was incredibly helpful, distributing water bottles, newspapers, and eventually, hot tea and biscuits. The TTE (traveling ticket examiner) came by with a digital device to check our tickets, which was a new and efficient process for us.

At around 8:30 a.m., we were served a delicious breakfast that included Poha, yogurt, a vegetable cutlet, and a Choco Pie. The journey was a perfect blend of comfort and natural beauty. As we got closer to Punjab the views from the window were breathtaking – lush green fields, train moving across sugarcane & sunflower laden big fields and later on natural waterfalls & green mountains covered with long trees of Himachal were marvelous.

A New Era of Train Travel

Our first ride on the Vande Bharat Express was truly a wonderful experience. The coaches were clean, the ride was smooth, and the modern amenities made the trip enjoyable. The Indian Railways has made a huge leap with these trains, making travel not just a way to get from one place to another, but an experience to cherish.

Have you ever traveled on the Vande Bharat Express? I’d love to hear about your experience!