Ines Faria, a 25-year-old backpacker from abroad, has captured widespread attention online. She posted a video detailing her first overnight journey on an Indian Railways train. The experience, she says, far exceeded her initial expectations.
A Pleasant Surprise on the Tracks
Faria left her job to travel the world. Her Instagram video, titled "First night train in India as a woman," quickly went viral. In it, she expresses genuine surprise at how smooth the trip was.
"I thought this was going to be chaotic," Faria wrote in her caption. "First sleeper train in India and it was actually such a good experience. Note to self: stop overthinking everything."
Cleanliness and Comfort Exceed Expectations
Boarding the train with a friend, Faria admitted she had prepared for less hygienic conditions. She was pleasantly mistaken.
"It was a bit small with our big bags, but they gave us clean sheets and blankets," she recounted. She specifically mentioned the toilets, noting they weren't as bad as she feared. "The train was very clean," she added.
A Good Night's Sleep and Respectful Company
The journey proved restful for the traveler. Faria praised her fellow passengers for their calm and respectful behavior throughout the night.
"The experience was quite nice and way better than I expected," she said. "Plus, I slept like a baby."
Online Reactions and Welcoming Messages
The video sparked a wave of positive responses from Indian social media users. Many welcomed her warmly and encouraged further exploration.
"Good to see someone travelling my country with a good budget. Have a great journey, ladies. India welcomes you with an open heart," wrote one user. Others suggested she try newer trains like the Vande Bharat Express.
Another comment read, "Welcome to India. Forgive the chaos, pollution, honking, trash, stares and selfies. Hope you enjoy and return again. Healthcare here is affordable and reliable!"
Echoes of a Reassuring Trend
This incident mirrors a similar story from last year. An Indian woman, Purvi Jain, shared a touching experience of solo night travel on Indian Railways.
In a LinkedIn post, Jain described a moment that left her feeling reassured about safety. Around 11 pm, two women police officers entered her compartment. They asked for her by name and seat number.
After confirming her identity, the officers checked on her comfort. They offered assistance and provided a helpline number for emergencies. Jain later learned this special attention was because she was traveling alone.
Her post received thousands of likes and shares. It highlighted a growing sense of security for women travelers on India's vast rail network. These stories together paint a picture of progress and positive change.
