When the all new ‘Tejas Express’ hit the rails, Alok Bhartia was among the first passengers to travel in it. According to the traveler, journey in this semi high speed train was an experience he was longing to have ever since the train was announced by the Union Rail Minister, Suresh Prabhu. Here is an honest review of the much hyped train from the globetrotter himself.
1. The pricy bit
Boasting of high-end facilities and a premium experience, journey in Tejas Express is costlier than that in any other train. A ticket from Mumbai to Goa costs Rs. 2590, which is more than any flight for the same destination, and is about 20% higher than fare of the esteemed Shatabdi Express.
2. Lagging Wifi
Most of the passengers, including Alok Bhartia, were excited to get an active Wifi connection during their journey. However, people were disappointed with the Wifi speed. While the internet didn’t work in economy coaches at all, the Executive class passengers were bestowed with a Wifi connection that had a turtle’s speed.
3. Food that doesn’t tingle your taste buds
If lip-smacking food is what you crave for, you are in for another disappointment. ‘Despite the great ambience of the train, the food served is the blandest I have ever tasted.’ Alok Bhartia quoted a fellow passenger.
4. No coffee machine
Passengers addicted to caffeine had a hard time on board with no tea or coffee machines present, in spite of much anticipation. With food served just once during the eight hours long journey, missing tea and coffee added to the passengers’ woes.
5. Speed
While the train is being proclaimed as the fastest train in India, it actually travelled with an average speed of about 68 km/h, which is lower than that of some existing trains. This led to a lot of hue and cry among the passengers. However, Alok Bhartia suggests that the train’s decreased speed was a result of its ‘curvy’ route and the train would function well in the plains and plateau region.
Did you have a different experience? Let us know!
