Generally one thinks twice before one undertakes a journey to North Bihar. The impression goes for over crowded trains, with dirty compartments and rude rail staff. However, this perception is bound to change, once a journey is made by Saptkranti Express from Delhi to Muzaffarpur. I boarded the train in AC3T from New Delhi and was surprised to see its neat and clean compartments and the coach was disinfected for rats and cockroaches. The journey started as per schedule and the railway staff were quite cordial, unlike in most of the Bihar Trains. The snacks, tea and other items served from Pantry were of extremenly good quality. I was surprised to see such a service in a Bihar train.
My co-passengers were also sharing my views and they were of the opinion that quality of service is there because it is a Lalu’s train. However, I don’t think so as it could be the result of the competition that railways are getting from the budgeted airlines. To my further surprise, the dinner was served through the trolley, as in aeroplanes and the food was quite delicious. I just can’t forget the taste of paneer sabji and the curd that they served in veg meals. The train was as per schedule upto Gorakhpur, which is the first official stop, once it leaves Delhi. However, once it enters Bihar, it starts getting late. Unfortunately, the passengers did not care for such an appreciable attempt made by Railways. I could see a number of passengers smoking and spitting paan at the corners, without realising their responsibility of keeping the trains clean.
At the end, I must say that if railways can make such an appreciable attempt for a Bihar train, then why not for all other trains all over the country.