Arrival at Delhi

My Travel Blog

I had to travel to New Delhi for some personal work on Republic day 26 Jan 19. This was my first time to the national capital.

Rajdhani Experience:-

I booked Mumbai - Rajdhani on 12-Jan-19 just 15 days earlier. As I was traveling alone I got side lower birth on both through and return journey. As soon as you cross the limit of Greater Mumbai that is Borivali station you are greeted by a tiny cold samosa, a Monginis Muffin(s) and Chana Dal. You also get hot beverage tea or coffee of your choice. But you have to make it for yourself. I would have preferred black coffee instead of Taj Mahal dip-dip chai.

The AC was good and the train was clean. Even toilets were clean which is now becoming a standard in Indian Railway. Soap and water were readily available.

Dinner was highly disappointing. The roti was thick and cold. Food was all cold. Sabji and dal didn’t have any taste. I think that is why they give you pickle. Dinner wasn't even a worth to click, so I didn't.

In the morning they serve Tea first at 6 AM and breakfast at 7 PM. I don’t know from they load it as Rajdhani does not take a stop after Kota. Breakfast was hotter than dinner. Apart from Bread Omelet, butter and a Banana they also offered Rs 5/- Bar One chocolate.

New Delhi Transportation experience:-

I arrived on the dreadful day of Republic day parade.

 And as soon as I stepped out I felt for Delhiites and why Arvind Kejriwal made VIP culture an issue in the election. I was at NDLS and wanted to go to Nizamuddin. But all the ways were blocked because Republic day parade cut right across my path.

First I went towards east to explore Metro option. But the line for the Yellow line was reaching the railway station, so I went back towards Pahadganj to find a taxi but no taxies were allowed anywhere near the station. So I went back to Delhi station to drink a Rs. 10/- teaspoon of chai. I mean seriously, it was like taking medicine of 30ml. All that while constantly hearing an add as to why you should take documents of your “Kirayedaar” and submit to police. I don’t see railway station as an appropriate location for the target audience.

Finally, I saw rush at the Yellow line has gone so I thought giving it a try. The route I needed to take was Yellow line to Central Secretariat and Violet line to Jangpura. Sadly Central Secretariat station was closed.

Frustrated  I came back to Railway Station. Pull out my UTS app. Booked a railway ticket to Hajrat Nizamuddin station. I saw an EMU listed on display to Palwal when I was going to out for Yellow line. I found that dustbin (photo attached) and got into it. I want to take time here to tanks Piyush Goyal for keeping the railways running.

Got the train in no time, an EMU passed through stations having familiar names like Tilak Bridge, Shivaji Bridge. Found Hajrat Nizamuddin to be very well maintained station. Cleanliness is something I observed on all the stations I visited. That’s why the amount of trash in the EMU shocked me. There was no taxi outside the station, reason obviously, because republic day parade was taking place nowhere near the station. But just outside the station parameter, there was a herd of Taxis all shouting “Matro-Matro”.

Next, blog about my visit to Connaught place and night walk at Jangpura.