Indian Railways runs over 13,000 passenger trains across the country, covering more than 67,000 kilometers.
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, the Sachkhand Express (12715), which runs between Nanded in Maharashtra and Amritsar in Punjab, has been giving free meals to passengers for around 29 years.
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 the meals is covered by donations of food and money given to gurudwaras. The meals on the train are free, but passengers are asked to bring their own utensils to eat the food.