At 25, Shatabdi remains relevant sans its romance

In the summer of 1994, 5-year-old Arun Pandian would hurriedly get off the train on platform number seven at the Bengaluru station, and watch the Shatabdi Express' electric engine get replaced by a diesel one in a matter of 10 minutes. Going to Mysuru from Chennai (then Madras), on the iconic train - then the first Shatabdi in south India that ran non-stop till Bengaluru - was akin to a flight ride. It boasted of great food and executive service that made it an exciting experience.
Today, as the Shatabdi Express turns 25, the absence of an engine change-over at Bengaluru is not the only change it has gone through. It was a prestigious train, recall old-timers, chosen even by several foreigners to the tourist destination of Mysuru.

The train, which was once a source of awe and pride for the residents of Chennai, Bengaluru and Mysuru, has become one of the also-rans. Though it continues to run packed on most days, it is preferred mostly for its speed, which has not increased over the years. Its identity as a royal ride, with regard to its food or hospitality, is lost, feel passengers.
Arun, who has literally grown up with the train, says that in those days, the quality and quantity of food served onboard was excellent. "We were given a choice of coconut milk with coffee and tea, and five chocolates. Idlis and vadas would be bigger, while soup and French fries were also offered," he says.
Now, the food served has an impersonal touch, say many. K Vasudevan (55), who rode on the Shatabdi on its first return leg from Bengaluru to Chennai on May 11, 1994, said, "Back then, the catering staff spoke English and Tamil. Today, they speak neither," he says.
What was once a classy, novel experience, is no more so, "with more Shatabdis, Rajdhanis and Durontos coming in," he says.
Both Vasudevan and Arun recall how despite largely running on a single line earlier, the Shatabdi was punctual, and on many occasions, ahead of schedule.
Today, despite the presence of a double line and high-speed locomotives like the WAP-7 and lighter LHB coaches, the train struggles to complete its journey on time.