Indian Railways Food Service | From out of the box!

I wrote about the very ‘Indian’ way of communication via email by Indian Railways. Bharat B had FWDed a powerpoint slide presentation of wierd and wonderful pictures and one of them caught my attention, especially since the Indian Railways context is still pretty fresh.

Those who have traveled on Indian Railways trains will know that the compartments – the ‘bogies’ - are supposed to be connected. This is supposed to allow passengers free movement through the whole train, thus making use of the ‘Pantry Car’ for a quick snack or a meal. The only time the compartments are intentionally disconnected is when the two adjoining compartments are of a different ‘class’ [ eg: First Class / Coach Class].

However, it is quite often that this passageway is not safe (when has it ever been safe, you may ask!) or due to ‘technical difficulties’ the passageway is not usable. Even at times such as this, Mr Hungry in a First Class compartment, probably towards either end of the train, wants to have his ‘Chai’ which is available only from the ‘Pantry Car’, usually located around the middle of the train. (This is to allow for ease and speed of food transfer from the kitchens at the stations – which are usually around the middle of platform!)

So the innovative, never-say-die, need-to-get-the-money-for-this-food, waiters have to ’step up’ & ’step out’ – practically ‘Step out of the Box’ - and move between the closed off compartments by using the doors. One goes across; Both hang on for dear life, expertly balancing the tray and passing it on, while the train is moving.

Amazing to folks who have not seen this before, but an ‘everyday’ occurrence for people who have traveled Indian Railways.

India! Simply India!