#indian-railway

[kidlit-queen-competition]

Train fact: NAMED TRAINS!

So you've probably heard of the Flying Scotsman. Big green thing, turned 100 this year, probably the most famous locomotive in the UK, if not the world. Adapted into Thomas the Tank Engine with a whole lot of charisma and eyebrows. But did you know that name wasn't hers originally?

'The Flying Scotsman' is actually the name (formerly a nickname) of the train. The locomotive is Flying Scotsman's monster named for it. She was given the name in 1924, to help promote said service at the British Empire exhibition. Any engine, with any rack of coaches, or any train set, can be the Flying Scotsman.

Right now, it's run by LNER's new Azumas, which get a special little outfit about it:

Most of the named trains in the UK were phased out with steam (although you can still catch the Sheffield continental from Sheffield to St. Pancras, or the Northern Lights from King's Cross to Aberdeen, among a handfull of others) but they live on elsewhere.

Some are luxury touring trains, like Japan's Seven Stars in Kyushu (left) or South Africa's Blue Train (right).

Transport isn't really the goal here. They sell out months in advance and cost anywhere from hundreds to thousands of dollars, depending on the class of ticket you get. They're an Experience, and a very cushy experience at that. Just look at their interiors!

(yes, that's a piano)

But the vast majority of named trains in operation (as far as I can tell) are regularly-running exepress services across Asia.

Japan names their Shinkanens, India, Pakistan, Bengladesh & Sri Lanka often name their intercity expresses. These are practical, long-distance services, often named for monuments, like India's Ajanta Express, named for the Ajanta caves:

Or their operating regions, like Sri Lanka's උත්තර දේවී | Princess/Queen of the North:

Some North American countries also kept historic named routes, like Amtrak's Sunset Limited, or Canada's Ocean, which has operated continuously since 1904:

but my personal favorite named services are Australia's historically-nicknamed "The Fish", named after one of its drivers:

and the numerous trains that have been companion-nicknamed "The Chips" to match.

[neengareadynaaready]

I watched The Railway Men in one sitting last weekend. It's really good. Very emotional. I do actually like to watch disaster movies, especially if they're based on real ones not because I wanna see people suffer but out of so much suffering you see people from different walks of life coming together to help each other. It's never a one-man show. And when it's in the news, sometimes people dismiss casualties as just statistics. But when it's a story - when it's something on TV or the cinema, you see these people and their lives and what they risked and gave up to help and save people. What happened becomes impossible to ignore. And I guess, in a way, it's a way to honor those who sacrificed so much.

Anyway, all this is me saying you should definitely watch the miniseries.

[bell-of-indecision]

✨I ranked all the indian stuff I watched in 2023✨

For context, this July I finally gave in to my decade-old urge and dove head first into indian culture. It's been nothing short of phenomenal. The more people I meet, the more foods I try, the more music I listen to, the more Hindi I learn, the more I fall in love with India.

Although I became more of a TV serial person, eventually, I gave in to the movies as well.

So here's everything I watched, ranked from worst to best.

(I'm sorry in advance)

10. Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani

This movie is useless, I'm so sorry. Somehow, it fooled me into thinking Naina was the main character, then the whole thing became about Bunny and I was so confused, who was I supposed to care about anyway? Can't complain though, Naina is a boring and uncharismatic cliché, I couldn't care less about her, had she disappeared midway into the story, I would've been thankful. Avi, Bunny, and Aditi, on the other hand, are loveable characters that deserved to be in a better movie — especially Aditi, I liked her so much. Too bad the movie seems to be about absolutely nothing. There was a message, I think, but it felt so shallow it didn't even matter to me, there was no actual relevance, no lesson, no impact, nothing. Maybe I'm stupid, but this movie is a drag. And the soundtrack SUCKS, Ilahi is the only good song in it.

2.8/10

9. Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2

The very first Bollywood movie I've ever watched. I wanted to like it so bad, it makes me sad that I didn't. Is it a comedy? A horror story? A dramatic murder mystery? Somehow, it's all of these and none at the same time, it can't decide on a tone to save its life, not even the humor can decide on what exactly it wants to be (most of it is just bad). The main couple has negative chemistry, their romance is so bland it's almost funny. Ruhan carries the whole movie on his back and is the only character with enough charisma to make me care, I honestly love this guy. His scene where he pretends to be possessed is incredible, and Tabu as Anjulika was great too. The plot twist was really nice, possibly the only good thing about the whole story, but then the movie ends so abruptly and on such a heavy note that it almost made me sick when the upbeat theme song started playing immediately after. This movie could not read the room, everything about it throws me off.

4/10

8. Jab We Met

Aditya is a dream, Geet is kind of a nightmare. I have nothing against characters that are lively, optimistic, and cheery, but they have to be bearable, she was just way too much for me. I loved Aditya's character development, it was fun and endearing to watch. The movie itself is not bad, just overrated. Nagada Nagada slaps though.

6/10

7. War

I wanted to love this movie just as much as it wanted to have a good twist. We both failed. Underestimating the audience's intelligence is one thing, but toying with us and making us feel like fools for the sake of a “big reveal” is something else. And no, it wasn't worth it. It wanted to be surprising, but it was just frustrating, shocking for all the wrong reasons. The action was fire though, no complaints there, and I loved the relationship dynamic between Kabir and Khalid, I would watch 11 seasons of those two going on missions with their team and fighting together, their chemistry is so good, I enjoyed every second of their scenes.

6.4/10

6. Arjun: The Warrior Prince

As a Mahabharat fan, I had hopes, but that's on me. Loved the way the story was presented to the audience, simple but brilliant. Shaheer Sheikh's Brihannala altered my brain chemistry, and I was elated to see her again. The animation was gorgeous, that goes without saying. I just hated how it ended right before the war, right where Arjun has some of his best moments, and hated even more how they practically erased Krishna from the story. At least they made him dark skinned this time.

6.7/10

5. My Name is Khan

Had this been based on a true story, I would've been the biggest fan of this movie to ever exist, I am a sucker for movies based on real life stories. Still, despite the disappointment of finding out this whole thing — as good as it was — was fictional, I see it as a touching, lovely, honest, and relevant story that kept me interested and broadened my horizons. Say whatever you want about allistic actors playing autistic characters, Shah Rukh Khan sold the heck out of this character and I bought it like the big neurodivergent fool that I am. I see a neurodivergent character onscreen, I am immediately on-board and loving them despite all their scripted flaws because “they're just like me fr”. "Marry me", indeed.

7/10

4. Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani

Is it innovative and groundbreaking? No, but it is so much fun. It's deep and honest enough, charismatic and funny enough, it's just good entertainment with a good message. I expected nothing to be honest, either way, the story just kept getting better? The dynamics kept getting deeper and more complex? Wait a minute, this was actually good! I went in for the soundtrack — I'm obssessed with Dhindhora Baje Re — but I stayed for everything else. I laughed out loud many times, I shed some tears, I rooted, man, this movie made me feel actual things! What a lovely surprise.

7.9/10

3. The Railway Men

I went into it with such high hopes. Some of them were met, but part of me was left unsatisfied. As I said before, real stories are my favorite, but the way this show was presented feels too much like fiction. Good fiction, but still. And I know it’s not fiction. I am aware that many creative liberties were taken, and I'm not against them, at all, but the thing is: I could see them, I knew they were there. When I watched HBO’s Chernobyl, I was fully convinced that everything that was presented in the show was reality, exactly how it had happened, and I doubted nothing. I was shocked when they revealed that Ulana Khomyuk was a character created to represent many scientists that were involved in the incident. I had eaten her up, and I still can't believe she wasn't a real person. The Railway Men feels like the opposite of this, most of it feels like a creative liberty, very little reads as a real event, a real interaction, or a real person. I doubted a lot of what I saw, and had to do some research to fully understand what exactly had been real. But like I said, it was still good. I found myself caring deeply for each and every character, no matter how minor, I deeply empathized with their pain, rooted for them, cried with them, cried for them. It's heartbreaking, gut wrenching, revolting, yet it still manages to be inspiring. Why I never learned about Bhopal before watching this show is beyond me, but at any rate, I will be recommending this show to everyone I know.

8.1/10

2. Brahmāstra: Part One – Shiva 

I will defend this movie's honor, I don't even care. I loved it so much that I made my mom watch it with me the next day, and she loved it. The dialogue is cringy, yes, unbearably so, some lines make my skin crawl. But COME ON, the plot is great, the concept is creative, the visual effects are wonderful, the soundtrack is divine —Mohan is dreamy— hear me out, I was hooked, on board, immersed, you name it. This movie made me feel so excited, I felt like a 7-year-old watching a super hero movie and wanting to have cool powers just like those, I honestly can't remember the last time a movie made me feel this energetic. Do I understand why Shiva and Isha were so deeply in love despite having met each other a week ago? No, but I was still rooting for them. Do I understand why sometimes people yell out the Astra’s powers in order to activate them like the Power Rangers? No, neither do I vibe with it, but do you think it mattered? The next moments were so freaking cool that I completely forgot what I wanted to complain about. (Oh, and Saurav Gurjar was in it! I gasped so loud when I saw him on screen, and playing a villain no less!) I was genuinely sad when it ended, I would've watched three more hours of that, despite the terribly written lines. I will fight for this movie and forgive every bad line of dialogue if it kills me.

8.7/10

1. Mahabharat (2013)

In case you haven't noticed, I am absolutely obssessed with Mahabharat. Initially, I’d decided to face the 267 episodes of this show because watching stuff in your target language is a good way to learn (also, that Krishna guy was very easy on the eyes, looking at him a bit more surely wouldn't hurt). It took me a few episodes to really get into the story, but once I did, oh boy, I was so hooked on the plot I even forgot about the language (although I did learn some words from it). The thing about this show, other than the freaking superb plot and phenomenal cast, are the characters. They all made me feel something. And that's the thing with characters, I believe, they don't necessarily have to be good or bad, morally speaking, they have to be well-written and entertaining, they have to make you feel things, positive or negative. Shakuni, a villain, was freaking great because of how good he was at being bad. And the good guys, like the Pandavas, weren't just good, that'd be boring, they were also charismatic, unique, funny, inspiring, and sometimes morally grey, which made them even more interesting, even more human. Watching them get in conflict with their morals when things got dark was insane. Even when they messed up —I'm looking at you Dharmraj— I still wanted to see them win. They felt like family, I watched them grow, I felt so close to them that their struggles and victories felt like my own. “My boys”, I call them. Mahabharat is my Roman Empire, man, I could talk about this show for HOURS. Anyway, this became my favorite show of all time and I'm so glad I didn't let the number of episodes scare me away. (And yes, I am still very much in love with Saurabh Raaj’s Krishna, he is probably one of my favorite characters ever, my heart raced when I first saw him and it still does to this day, BYE)

9/10

Oh, this ended up being a Top 10. Nice.

I both thank you and applaud you for reaching the end of this ramble that is ultimately just a result of my obsession with making lists and ranking literally everything. And also my admiration for indian culture.

I would've included Porus and Chandragupta Maurya but I'm not yet finished watching them, but I thought I should say: I am liking them a lot.

What do you people think I should watch next year? Recommendations are welcome!

✨🇮🇳 ✨

[maysshortmoviereviews]

The Railway Men: The Untold Story of Bhopal 1984 (2023)

🎬After a deadly gas leaks from a factory in Bhopal, brave railway workers risk their lives to save others in the face of an unspeakable disaster.

📝An excellent series about the brave Indian railway workers who saved lives and a thought provoking story about the Bhopal Chemical Disaster of 1984. If you were impressed with series like ‘Chernobyl’ then you will enjoy this too. It is about every day people who did the right thing, it is about negligence, corruption and just extremely moving. . A very very good series and I highly recommend it. Your time will be well spent.

[amtrak-official]

Opinion on Indian Railways

Their logo is too detailed and needs a redesign

[indizombie]

There is an 80 paise difference per passenger per kilometre between AC 3-tier coaches and reserved Sleeper Class in 2019-20. Moreover, the fare of AC 3-tier has increased by 33 paise per passenger per kilo-metre in the past decade, while that of reserved Sleeper Class increased only by 17.4 paise, validating the affordability concerns of travellers. These changes were mandated due to the poor operating ratio of the Indian Railways - which worsened after the pandemic. Before the pandemic Indian Railways on average used to spend ₹98 to earn ₹100. In 2021-22, it spent ₹107 to earn every ₹100.

‘AC coaches rise at the cost of Sleeper and Second Class’, Hindu

[republicbusiness]

Government in contact with Microsoft amid global Windows outage: Vaishnaw

[yatrirestro]

Exploring Regional Delicacies: A Foodie's Guide to Train Food Delivery

Travelling by train has long been a cherished experience for many, offering a unique perspective of the ever-changing landscapes and a chance to savour the journey. While the rhythmic clatter of wheels on the tracks creates a soothing backdrop, the prospect of enjoying delicious regional delicacies can elevate the experience to a whole new level. We will explore how foodies can indulge in the finest local cuisines while travelling by train, thanks to innovative services like Yatri Restro that directly bring India's flavours to your seat.

The Evolution of Train Food Delivery

Gone are the days when train travellers had limited food options, often confined to pantry cars or station stalls. The advent of online food delivery services has revolutionised the way passengers eat on trains. Companies like Yatri Restro have tapped into this market, providing an array of choices that cater to diverse tastes and preferences. From traditional thalis to contemporary fast food, passengers can now relish various dishes without leaving their seats.

The Role of Yatri Restro in Train Food Delivery

Yatri Restro has emerged as a prominent player in the train food delivery market. Their mission is to enhance the travel experience by offering high-quality, hygienic, and delicious food showcasing different regions' rich culinary heritage. Partnering with local restaurants and food vendors, Yatri Restro ensures that each meal is freshly prepared and reflects the region's authentic flavours.

How Yatri Restro Works

Easy Ordering Process: Passengers can place orders through the Yatri Restro website or mobile app. The user-friendly interface allows travellers to browse menus, select their desired meals, and specify the station where they would like their food to be delivered.

Wide Range of Options: Yatri Restro offers an extensive menu with regional specialities, vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes, and special dietary options. Whether you're craving a spicy biryani or a healthy salad, there's something for everyone.

Timely Delivery: Yatri Restro prioritises hot and fresh food delivery. Their efficient logistics network ensures that meals are prepared just before your train arrives at the designated station, guaranteeing freshness and flavour.

Exploring Regional Delicacies with Yatri Restro

One of the joys of travelling across India is the opportunity to taste the diverse cuisines that each region offers. Here are some regional delicacies you can savour while travelling by train, with Yatri Restro ensuring you get all the culinary delight.

North India

Punjab: Known for its rich and hearty food, Punjab offers dishes like butter chicken, sarson ka saag, and makki di roti. A typical Punjabi thali, with its curries, bread, and lassi, can be a fulfilling meal on your journey.

Delhi: The capital city is famous for its street food. From chole bhature to paranthas and kebabs to jalebi, Delhi's culinary scene is a melting pot of flavours. Yatri Restro brings these street food delights straight to your train seat.

Uttar Pradesh: Experience the royal flavours of Awadhi cuisine with dishes like kebabs, biryani, and korma. The intricate use of spices and slow-cooking techniques make these dishes a treat for your taste buds.

South India

Tamil Nadu: Enjoy the crispiness of dosas, the tanginess of rasam, and the rich flavours of Chettinad cuisine. A traditional Tamil Nadu meal on a banana leaf can be an exotic experience.

Kerala: Known as God's Own Country, Kerala offers a variety of seafood dishes, coconut-based curries, and appams. The delicate flavours of fish molee or the spicy punch of a prawn curry can make your journey memorable.

Karnataka: Relish the taste of Mysore masala dosa, bisi bele bath, and Mangalorean fish curry. The blend of spices and unique preparation methods make Karnataka's cuisine stand out.

East India

West Bengal: Savour Bengali cuisine's sweet and savoury delights. From the spicy fish curry (macher jhol) to the sweet goodness of rasgulla and sandesh, the flavours of Bengal are hard to resist.

Odisha: Try the famous Dalma, a lentil and vegetable stew, or the classic chhena poda, a baked cottage cheese dessert. The simplicity and wholesomeness of Odia food are its highlights.

Assam: The northeastern state offers exotic dishes like bamboo shoot pickles, fish tenga, and duck curry. Using fresh herbs and minimal spices gives Assamese cuisine a unique flavour profile.

West India

Maharashtra: Indulge in the spicy and tangy flavours of Marathi food. Vada pav, pav bhaji, and puran poli are just a few examples of the diverse culinary offerings from this region.

Gujarat: Experience Gujarati cuisine's sweet and savoury balance with dishes like dhokla, khandvi, and the famous Gujarati thali. The use of diverse ingredients and flavours makes this cuisine truly special.

Goa: Enjoy the vibrant and spicy Goan cuisine, known for its seafood and Portuguese influence. Goan food is a burst of flavours, from fish curry rice to bebinca.

Central India

Madhya Pradesh: The heart of India offers delicacies like poha jalebi, bhutte ka kees, and the sumptuous Bhopali kebabs. The rich culinary heritage of this region is reflected in its diverse dishes.

Chhattisgarh: Known for its tribal cuisine, Chhattisgarh offers unique dishes like fara, bafauri, and dehati harela. These rustic dishes are a testament to the state's rich cultural heritage.

Tips for a Perfect Foodie Journey

To make the most of your train journey and the food delivered by Yatri Restro, consider the following tips:

Plan Ahead: While spontaneity has its charm, planning your meals in advance can ensure you try the best regional delicacies. Check the route of your train and the specialities of the regions you'll be passing through.

Stay Hydrated: Traveling can dehydrate, especially in the summer. Drink plenty of water and avoid excessive caffeine or alcohol.

Opt for Fresh and Light: While indulging in rich and heavy foods is tempting, opting for lighter meals can help you stay comfortable during the journey.

Share and Sample: If you're travelling with family or friends, order different dishes and share them. This way, you get to sample a wider variety of flavours.

Check Reviews: Yatri Restro's app and website often feature restaurant reviews and ratings. Check these to ensure you're ordering from highly recommended places.

Conclusion

Travelling by train in India offers a unique opportunity to explore the country's culinary diversity. With services like Yatri Restro, you can enjoy the best regional delicacies delivered right to your seat, making your journey not just a mode of travel but a gastronomic adventure. Every meal can celebrate India's rich culinary heritage, from the spicy curries of the South to the sweet treats of the East. So, the next time you board a train, let Yatri Restro take care of your dining needs and embark on a flavorful journey across India.

[if-you-fan-a-fire]

"INDIANS SELL LAND," Weekly Free Press & Prairie Farmer. April 2, 1913. Page 5. ---- Railway and Canals Department Acquire Area at Le Pas. ---- Le Pas, Man., March 26. - S. J. Jackson, inspector of Indian agencies, arrived in town on Saturday with instructions from his department to call a meeting of the members of the Pas reserve and discuss with them the advisability of surrendering for use by the department of railways and canals for the purpose of the terminals of the Hudson Bay railway certain lands now within the town limits or adjoining same at the south. The meeting was held yesterday. Certain blocks in the town representing an acreage of forty-three and one-third acres and a piece of the remaining portion of the reserve south of the town containing eighty-eight and one-sixteenth acres were surrendered in consideration of the sum of $42,375, one-quarter of which sum will be paid on the next treaty day next July.

Mr. Jackson paid the members of the band $5,000 yesterday and $3,780 on account. An agreement was also receipted surrendering to the government 540 acres east of the C.N.R. and the land so obtained for terminals which will be retained for further use. The land purchased for terminals is situated within 4 blocks of the C.N.R. station along the company's right of way. It is surmised that this portion of the C.N.R. line and grounds will be purchased by the department of railways and canals and that a union depot will be located on the site of the present C.N.R. station.

[quatregats]

EXTREMELY tempted to change my profile pic to the Indian Railways logo even though I feel like that would be silly

[the-sound-ofrain]

अच्छा तो हम चलते है ।।

[railmitra]

Maximizing Your IRCTC Experience with RailMitra's Tips & Tricks

Maximizing your IRCTC experience just got easier with RailMitra! We've rounded up some of our top tips and tricks to help you navigate the booking process like a pro. From figure out how to book train tickets faster to finding the best deals, RailMitra has got you covered. Get ready to take your IRCTC journey to the next level!

For more information click here: https://www.railmitra.com/seat-availability or to get easy access of rail enquiry features like PNR Status, train time table, etc., download the RailMitra app: https://bit.ly/3hyVw5p

For more details click here to watch this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CZSvBVQP5Vs

[starryvibed]

18th February 2023 📍Mumbai, India

I have always admired the CSMT train station, 🚉 standing tall with it’s victorian gothic style/Indian palace 🕌 like architecture. Most of the buildings around it have stone domes. Even with the traffic 🚦and shitty road signals, the streets 🛣️ of fort area have a sense of calm to them, like you could just keep walking.

Spent the day with a direct view of the arabian 🌊🛥️ sea and reading 📖 with a long nap in the afternoon. The sky turned orange 🌅 as evening fell, with the bay reflecting different hues 🔸

[jithuskumar-blog]

PGT Jn.

[lakshay010]

Vande Bharat Express

Vande Bharat Express: India's Pride and Technological Marvel Redefining Train Travel

Introduction: Vande Bharat Express, India's pride and joy, represents a significant leap forward in the country's railway infrastructure. Also known as Train 18, Vande Bharat Express has revolutionized train travel in India with its cutting-edge technology, sleek design, and enhanced passenger experience. Let us delve into the many remarkable features and achievements of Vande Bharat Express, a testament to India's engineering prowess.

Vande Bharat Express: A Game-Changer in Indian Railways: Vande Bharat Express stands as a true game-changer in the Indian Railways, setting new benchmarks for speed, comfort, and efficiency. It is a shining example of India's commitment to innovation and modernization in the transportation sector.

Cutting-Edge Technology at the Heart of Vande Bharat Express: Vande Bharat Express boasts state-of-the-art technology that makes it stand out from conventional trains. With features such as self-propulsion, regenerative braking, and energy-efficient systems, this train exemplifies India's foray into sustainable and eco-friendly transportation.

Speed and Efficiency Redefined by Vande Bharat Express: One of the defining characteristics of Vande Bharat Express is its impressive speed. With a top speed of 180 km/h, it has significantly reduced travel times between major Indian cities. Passengers can now reach their destinations faster, contributing to the overall efficiency of the rail network.

World-Class Passenger Comfort and Amenities: Vande Bharat Express prioritizes passenger comfort and convenience. The train is equipped with ergonomically designed seats, ample legroom, and large windows that offer panoramic views. Additionally, it features modern amenities such as onboard Wi-Fi, infotainment systems, and onboard catering services, ensuring a delightful journey for travelers.

Impeccable Safety Measures on Vande Bharat Express: Safety is paramount on Vande Bharat Express. The train incorporates advanced safety features, including fire and smoke detection systems, emergency braking mechanisms, and robust security measures, ensuring the well-being of passengers throughout their journey.

The Magnificent Exterior Design of Vande Bharat Express: Vande Bharat Express boasts a sleek and futuristic exterior design that captivates onlookers. Its aerodynamic shape reduces air resistance, enabling it to achieve higher speeds while maintaining stability. This iconic train has become a symbol of India's modernization and technological prowess.

Vande Bharat Express: A Symbol of National Pride: Vande Bharat Express has become an emblem of national pride for India. It represents the country's vision for a progressive and technologically advanced rail network. This train showcases India's commitment to innovation and its ability to compete on a global scale.

The Economic Impact of Vande Bharat Express: Vande Bharat Express has had a significant economic impact by boosting tourism and local businesses along its routes. The improved connectivity and faster travel times have opened up new opportunities for trade and commerce, contributing to regional development and growth.

Vande Bharat Express Inspiring Future Projects: The success of Vande Bharat Express has inspired the Indian Railways to embark on further ambitious projects. The government's focus on high-speed rail networks and the development of advanced train technologies underscores India's determination to build a world-class transportation infrastructure.

Vande Bharat Express: Shaping the Future of Indian Railways: In conclusion, Vande Bharat Express is a testament to India's commitment to transforming its railways into a modern, efficient, and passenger-centric system. With its cutting-edge technology, enhanced speed, and exceptional passenger experience, this train has elevated the standards of train travel in India. Vande Bharat Express stands as a shining example of India's engineering prowess and its aspirations for a brighter future in the realm of transportation.

As Vande Bharat Express continues to inspire awe and admiration, it paves the way for further advancements in Indian Railways, promising a new era of connectivity, comfort, and progress for the nation.