And for a Republic Day Friday, quick trip to Cochin and my maiden ride in Vande Bharat train, some thoughts….. some musings…..
Cochin, now called Kochi, in central Kerala and its neighbouring districts with the backwaters, colonial structures and the most scenic quaint places, host the highest number of domestic and international tourists. With the huge number of home stays, five star and budget hotels, it’s a destination also for corporate conferences and global conventions. This week, more than 7000 Paediatricians from across India are attending the national convention. The luxurious house boats in the backwaters of Kerala is an experience that most tourists relish, as also the many exclusive Ayurvedic spas, not only for a rejuvenating oil massage but also long term treatment of chronic diseases. Chartered planeloads of Europeans particularly Germans land here. Travelling in Thiruvalla, Maraman and Pathanamthitta, I was amazed at the huge beautiful mansions in the interiors. The connecting roads may be narrow, a SUV can barely pass, but on both sides the houses are absolutely lavish, magnificent and huge. The Lexus, Porsches, Mercedes, Jaguars and Lamborghinis parked in the compounds may even put some of the Texas homes to shame. A random check indicates more than 90 % of the homes in these areas have one or more members working in US, UK, Australia and Europe, not to mention the Middle East which for an average Malayali family is almost second home.
The maiden Vande Bharat trip was an enjoyable experience. Honestly, the sight of the differently shaped engine, the standout white and blue coaches, adds to the splendour and anticipation and the interiors live up to the reputation with nice comfortable push back seats. The TTE has an iPad and politely asks your name and identity. That’s it. A one litre new mineral water is handed over. The catering staff wearing nice well kept uniforms serve dinner. Announcements, welcoming and information of the arriving stations are provided in English, Hindi and Malayalam. The public address system keeps reminding passengers on maintaining cleanliness, particularly flushing the toilets after use. Very nice steel toilets with hand showers and all facilities. I would rate it as world class. I am proud that the entire design and manufacturing is totally indigenous at the Integral Coach factory, Perambur, Tamilnadu. Well done Indian Railways.
On this the Republic Day Friday, here’s wishing everybody a Happy Republic Day. Let’s all enjoy the day, the responsible way, the involved way, the SEEGOS way.