Traveling on the Vande Bharat Express was supposed to unlock a new chapter of joy and freedom, or so they say. In this post, I’ll share my personal tales as a first-time traveler on this much-touted train. Join me as I dissect every moment of “Vande Bharat Express : A First Time Traveler.”

The Vande Bharat Express is a modern, superfast train in Indian Railways for medium-distance travel, featuring comfortable, air-conditioned seating. Launched on February 15, 2019, it connects major cities within 800 kilometers in under ten hours.

If you’d like to dive deeper into what it feels like to travel by Indian Railways in general, don’t miss my detailed, story-style guide: A Indian Style Documentary Journey – Part 1 – Wander, Feast & Thrive. It’s a heartfelt look at Indian train journeys, culture, and everyday travel moments.

A First-Time Traveler: Vande Bharat Express

Our vacation to India from Canada became even more special with a ride on the Vande Bharat Express. After landing in Bangalore and enjoying a warm breakfast, we headed to Chennai, excited for our first journey on this iconic train. By the time we returned home around 8 pm, we were tired but content, eager for the next trip highlight.

Sunday drifted by in a warm, comforting haze as we found our rhythm and quietly readied ourselves for the journey to Erode. When Monday arrived, the jetlag gently pulled us from our slumber before the sun had even risen, and there was an oddly soothing quality to embracing the early morning in India once more.

After a nostalgic homemade lunch, we booked an Uber to MG Ramachandran Chennai Central Railway Station. My heart skipped a beat at the information board when I saw the Vande Bharat Express listed for the first platform. With each step towards it, anticipation grew—we weren’t just catching a train; we were walking towards a long-dreamed-of experience.

Boarding the train, reality hit in the most human way: limited luggage space. We ended up tucking one of our bags under the seat, squeezing in a bit, and laughing it off—that’s travel life in its truest form. The interiors reminded me of an economy class aircraft with neatly arranged seats, individual water bottle holders, and netted storage pockets.

Soon, the ticket inspector checked our tickets with quiet efficiency, and the journey began. Announcements flowed in Tamil, English, and Hindi, creating an inclusive atmosphere. Overhead, LED screens provided real-time updates on speed, distance to the next station, and upcoming stops—a reassuring detail that made us feel cared for during the ride.

The Journey: A First-Time Traveler’s Experience

The journey from Chennai Central to Erode typically takes 6 to 7 hours on regular trains, but the Vande Bharat Express does it in just 4 hours and 22 minutes—a difference you can feel. Thoughtful amenities like water bottles, newspapers, and snacks with hot beverages provided comfort for meal-inclusive passengers. Those heading to Coimbatore were even served dinner, enhancing their travel experience.

Of course, no journey is perfect. One main issue was the disturbance from fellow passengers playing music and videos loudly without headphones, which broke the calm rhythm of the trip. We paused briefly at Salem to call our parents and share our excitement—a tiny emotional milestone on the way home.

After a short delay, we were back on track towards Erode Junction. As the train drew closer to our destination, my heart started to race; after spending 15 long months in Canada, every passing minute felt heavier with anticipation. When the train arrived ten minutes late, that small delay felt like an eternity, stretching the emotional wait just a little longer.

the train finally pulled into erode junction : vande bharat express

When the train finally pulled into Erode Junction, it marked not just the end of a journey, but the start of a reunion. As we stepped onto the platform, I saw my father, nephew, and niece waiting, their faces beaming with joy. That first hug after so many months apart is something no train can measure in minutes. We loaded our luggage into the car and headed home, my heart full and my mind replaying the ride.

Reaching home, we embraced my mother, sister, and my brother-in-law, and the house blossomed with laughter, heartfelt chatter, and the warm familiarity of being surrounded by family. As we shared a comforting family dinner, we took the time to reconnect, reliving cherished stories and memories that we longed to share together.

Later, we offered what felt like obligatory emotional goodbyes to my sister’s family for the night and reluctantly took a moment to refresh ourselves. Exhausted yet somewhat uncertain, we ended the day questioning whether it was really all worth it—for the journey, the technology that supposedly made it smoother, and the love we hoped was waiting at the other end of the track.

Conclusion: Is Vande Bharat Express Worth the Hype?

The Vande Bharat Express, priced at 985 bucks for A/C Chair Car and 1930 bucks for Executive Chair Car, is a premium train for business travelers seeking same-day returns. It offers a comfortable journey that emphasizes the healing nature of travel and mental well-being, despite potential disruptions from fellow passengers.