floor can get wet though.
Punctuality:
Highest priority given to this train throughout the journey so expect some top-notch punctuality.
Food:
Passengers would expect great food in Vande Bharat. But that is not the case here. IR always lags in this department. The cost of catering charges is not justified. I had high expectations from lunch.
Pic 1: Morning tea: Tea mix and two marie gold bisuits. Served around 6:30 AM
Pic 2: Breakfast: Plain bread, Veg cutlet, juice, muffin and a small packet of hand sanitizer. Served around 7:30 or 7:40 AM.
Sandwich should have been given at least.
No picture for lunch. Normal lunch given as in all other premium trains. Served after Jammu Tawi departure.
Pic 3 & 4: Evening snacks in EC
Caramel popcorn, Chocolate, samosa/kachori, plain veg sandwich, tea/coffee mix, Maggi, juice/lassi and wet wipes. I was satisfied with this
Ticket availability: This is tricky. Lots are seats can be available, but seats are costly. But it goes to an equally popular religious destination. So plan your journey in advance.
Railfanning: 2nd only train to enjoy 130 kph MPS on NDLS-LDH section. Loads of crossings and overtakes and high-speed skips. Only bummer is the JAT-SVDK section. Though the XL windows lets you enjoy the scenery on both side of tracks, the staff keeps you busy having meals.
Safety: Yes safe.
Comfort: CC and EC are on the extreme ends on scale of comfort. Seats in CC are non-reclining and have limited leg space. Seats are not cushioned enough. Not recommended for people with back problems. Seats in EC have headrest, well cushioned. Have ample leg space. And also adequate spacing between seats. I personally feel CC to be congested. Also, the snacks tray was much larger in EC rather than CC.
Charging sockets: In CC, sockets are below your seats, which is very weird position. One has to bend down to find the sockets. In EC sockets are between the space between the seats.
Other points
1. Be inside train at least 5 minutes before the departure of the train. Also refrain to venture outside train in any of the intermediate station. Train has automatic doors. If you are left outside, your money is gone. Staff won't open the doors.
2. Rotating seats in EC are not practical. Did not see anyone rotating their seats in the whole journey.
3. For Divyangjan passengers, C14 coach has special arrangements. Has a specials toilet. Make sure to visit that. It is huge, unlike any toilet in any IR train.
4. Also you can take a peek into drivers' cabin. It is a different experience altogether.
5. Food is optional. And no flexi-fare is there.
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Pic 5: Vande Bharat at SVDK
Pic 6: EC interiors
Full journey YouTube playlist:
click here