Hi! Is Duronto Express Really That Good? Continue to read! After a long time, last month we visited Mumbai. Visiting Mumbai doesn’t feel like vacation. There is a lot of work to do. However, we did take a week off to visit relatives. It’s been a while that we travelled by train, so we booked one of the best and one of the fastest trains in India. Let me tell you train network in India is dense and efficient. Besides there is something about travelling by train. It’s fun, comfortable and it takes me back to my childhood, when we used to travel by trains more frequently.
Duronto Express
Firstly, Duronto means “Speedster” in Bengali language. (There are many languages spoken in India. In fact most states have their own language). Duronto Express is a non-stop long distance train, run by Indian Railways. It connects major state capitals to different bigger prominent cities. Apparently, earlier there were no stops between the destinations, but for the past few years, they have included some important stations, where people can embark and disembark the train. Our journey was from Mumbai to Allahabad (which is now called Prayagraj).
Tickets
We booked the first class AC tickets. The one with cabins. It was easy to book the tickets online using our credit card. However, we had to give an Indian mobile number for some reason.
Station Lounge Experience
We reached Lokmanya Tilak Station, a couple of hours earlier. We went to the AC lounge, that is located on platform number 1. The receptionist at the counter checked our ticket and charged INR 40 per person. It was a nice, clean (I was pleasantly surprised to especially see clean non-stinky washrooms) and with colorful seats. We could also buy some snacks and beverages.
The Train
I had seen the picture of the featured Duronto Express. That yellow and green beauty. But I was very disappointed by the regular look of the train. But soon the disappointment vanished when we entered the first class Ac coach. It was very clean, smelled good and the aircon was strong. We settled into our cabin which had four sleepers for four passengers. Since it was not the holiday season, the AC coach had fewer passengers. We had the whole cabin to ourselves, which was amazing.
Service on board
The train staff was very good and efficient. The bedsheet, blanket and towel were already on our seats. After we settled, one of the staff brought us bottled water and asked how we would like our tea. They served tea with some packets of snacks and chips.
And the cook himself came to ask for our preference in food. If we like veg/non-veg. Since we are vegetarian and my husband prefers no salt in his food, the cook prepared our meal accordingly, which was really nice. The dinner was delicious.
They first served hot tomato soup with bread sticks. The main course included matar paneer, potato vegetable, lentils, rice and roti with mixed pickle and yogurt. For dessert they served vanilla ice cream. They also took the order for morning breakfast. The cleaning staff came and cleaned the already clean cabin.
We had a good nights sleep and woke up to a nice warm breakfast. Since we were unable to decide on poha or upma, they brought both with slices of white bread, butter, jam, cookie and tea.
The washroom was clean. There was a hand soap and toilet paper too.
Speed and time
Duronto Express is fast train with very few stops. The otherwise 24 hour journey on a normal train, it took us 16 hours to reach our destination. There were no local venders allowed to enter the Ac coach.
Overall, is Duronto Express really that good? The answer is yes! It was a very nice experience travelling by train after long time. Besides the best part is we can carry as much luggage as we want. The seats were nice and comfortable. If you are the one who loves travelling by train and does not mind the time it takes in comparison to flying, I highly recommend you travel to some destination in this train. I had a fabulous experience. Besides I was really surprised by the neat and clean with excellent service.
Until next time stay safe and travel safe!
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