A German tourist's enthusiastic review of his journey aboard India's Vande Bharat Express has taken social media by storm, capturing the admiration of hundreds of thousands of viewers and showcasing a modern facet of Indian railways to a global audience.
Viral Video Showcases Premium Rail Journey
The traveller, Alexander Welder, who is documenting his adventures across the country, shared a video titled "Taking a ride on India's most modern train" on Instagram. The clip has amassed a staggering over 700,000 views, drawing widespread attention for its positive portrayal.
In the video, Welder documents his five-and-a-half-hour executive class trip, which cost him ₹2,100 per person. He guides viewers through the entire experience, highlighting the amenities and services included in the ticket price.
"Feels Like Japan or China": Key Features That Impressed
Welder expressed particular astonishment at several design elements of the train. He was notably impressed by the rotating seats that allow passengers to face the window, calling this feature a "game changer" for enjoying the scenic views during the journey.
He also pointed out the unusually spacious overhead luggage compartments, demonstrating how even his large bag fit comfortably. Another detail that stood out to him was the availability of both Indian and Western-style washrooms in the coach, catering to the needs of diverse travellers.
All-Inclusive Ticket: Meals, Snacks, and Even Ice Cream
The German tourist was visibly surprised by the value for money offered. Shortly after boarding, he received a complimentary bottle of water. This was followed by a sequence of food services that included:
- Soup and snacks
- A hot meal with chapati, curries, rice, and vegetables
- Ice cream for dessert
"We just got snacks also included in the ticket. How crazy is that?" he exclaims in the video. Concluding his journey, he summarized, "Five and a half hours. ₹2,100 per person. And all meals were included."
Online Praise and A Make in India Success Story
The video sparked a wave of positive reactions online, with many Indian users appreciating the foreigner's perspective on a modern India that often goes unnoticed internationally. One user referenced the Indian philosophy of "Atithhi Devo Bhavah" (The guest is God), expressing joy at seeing a visitor enjoy the country's facilities. Others suggested he try luxury trains like the Maharajas' Express.
Another user highlighted the cost-effectiveness, noting that in Europe, and specifically in Germany, such a price sometimes doesn't even guarantee a seat on a crowded train.
The Vande Bharat Express stands as a testament to the Make in India initiative. The train is manufactured entirely at the Integral Coach Factory (ICF) in Chennai, showcasing India's indigenous capabilities in design and engineering from the ground up.
