Last month I had to travel to Calcutta. I had the option of either flying or travel by rail. For a normal Indian who has time constraints, flying is the best option. But this time I could afford to be different since I had the luxury of time. But the thought of crowded railway stations and the not so hygienic toilets in the coaches makes me uncomfortable. But Indian railways can surprise you with the luxury of an AC First. I had travelled in AC first before during childhood, and the pleasant experience made me book the tickets again. This time was an even better and efficient experience.
The coolie positioned us at the exact place on the platform, where the AC first coach would halt. We were travelling from Delhi on the Kolkata Rajdhani. Since the AC first coach is positioned right after the engine, we had to walk to the extreme end of the platform, which was not at all crowded. The strange thing was that I felt rich as I was surrounded by people who looked rich. The Train arrived on schedule and we boarded the coach. A Totally hassle free experience contrary to what you would experience when boarding an AC 2 tier coach. AC first has private coupes or rooms and we were allocated coupe C. Each coupe has a capacity of four or two.
The moment I stepped foot inside the coupe, I knew that I had stepped into luxury. The interiors were red, which made you feel young and romantic. There were reading lamps for each passenger, bell boy facility, automatic room fresheners’ and really innovative bottle holders (space usage in its optimized form). We got settled and the train started on time. Two gentlemen (dressed in an attire that you would see the staff wearing in a five start hotel) stepped into our compartment, and greeted us with roses and perfumed towels. That very moment I knew this is going to be one heck of a journey. The two guys had barely left, when juice arrived. After 15 minutes two waiters came in to set up something, which looked like a mini dining table: it was time for evening tea and snacks, which were served in beautiful crockery. Snacks included sandwich (veg or chicken), samosas, cashew, a delicious sweet and dairy milk. I should say each and every item was good. During all this a man kept visiting the cabin every two hours to offer cleaning service. Two gentlemen covered in corporate attire came in. I thought them to be some kind of managers. I was wrong, they were ticket checkers. I found this weird, but I understood that the point was to make the traveller feel important, as politicians usually travel in AC First. After snacks, mom went to sleep (a luxury she truly relishes on vacation), papa as usual was busy reading the financial magazines and I started working on my lappy, framing my bog valuing PSU banks. At around 8PM we were served soup and bread sticks, following which a waiter came in to take the order for dinner. They were offering either Indian or Continental. Mom and I ordered Indian, whereas Papa ordered Continental. I knew that papa did a mistake ordering continental, because however the railways was surprising me I didn’t trust them with the capability to serve delicious continental food. As presumed, Indian was delicious and continental turned out to be a no winner: the first disappointment on an AC First, but only for Papa.
Also, we were provided e with very comfortable bedding, linen and toiletries. After dinner we slowly drowned away into slumber. Usually I don’t sleep well in a train due to the commotion and uncomfortable bedding, but dude this was AC first: a dedicated room for you. I had one of the best sleeps. Somehow the luxurious cabin and the movements of the train helped me with a deep sleep. Think about how a baby is put to sleep!!!
The morning was very refreshing, and we were provided with tea and biscuits, which was immediately followed with fresh orange juice. By now I was used to the service and nothing was a surprise. We were offered newspapers both business and general. For the first time in the journey I had to use the toilet and I was scared. Indian railway toilets are the creepiest in the world. But when nature calls, one has to compromise. I was taken in for a pleasant surprise to find out that the toilet was modelled exactly like an aircraft’s: another surprise, which I wasn’t expecting. Breakfast was served, and the omelet was delicious. Finally when the train was about to reach Kolkata the attendants personally visited with us with chocolates to say goodbye: indeed a very warm gesture.
This is one journey that I will really remember for a long time both for the VIP treatment received and for the value for money. An AC two tier ticket on a rajdhani costs 2400 bucks (for a journey between delhi and Kolkata). This cost me 3350 bucks, but it was worth it. The service was no secondary to a five start treatment, and you have the luxury and security of a dedicated cabin. Next time when I am travelling again in a Rajdhani, I will be travelling in an AC first. I mean a Rajdhani and not any other train, as the AC first of a Rajdhani is incomparable.
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