File image of an Indian Railways train.
Credit: iStock Photo
Spanning across over 67,000 km in the length and breadth of the nation, Indian Railways operates over 13,000 passenger trains.
Besides ferrying millions of passengers every day, trains also provide meals during the journey. Passengers can relish hot meals aboard trains against payment done while booking the train tickets.
Surprisingly, there is a special train which serves food to its passengers totally free of cost.
According to media reports, Sachkhand Express (12715) which operates between Nanded in Maharashtra and Amritsar in Punjab, has been serving complimentary meals to its customers for about 29 years now.
The train runs from Sri Harmandar Sahib Gurudwara in Amritsar to Sri Huzur Sahib Gurudwara in Nanded.
This train is unique as it is the only which provides free complimentary food to its passengers throughout its 2,000 km journey.
The train stops at 39 stations during the 33-hour journey including six key ones where 'langar' facilities are organised and provided -- New Delhi, Bhopal, Parbhani, Jalna, Aurangabad and Marathwada.
The menu of the 'langar' usually includes 'kadhi-chawal', 'chhole', 'dal', 'khichdi', 'aloo-cabbage' and other dishes.
The cost of these meals are covered using donations that gurudwaras receive in terms of food and money. Though the complimentary meals provided in the train are free of cost, the passengers are requested to carry their own utensils to enjoy the food.