Imagine boarding a train that rivals the high-speed marvels of Japan and China, but at a fraction of the cost. That's exactly what one German tourist experienced on India's Vande Bharat Express—and his reaction is going viral. Alexander Welder, currently traveling across India, shared an Instagram video titled 'Taking a ride on India's most modern train,' where he and his companion documented their executive class journey. The five-and-a-half-hour trip, complete with meals and snacks, cost just Rs 2,100 ($23) per person—a price that left Welder stunned. But here's where it gets controversial: could India's Vande Bharat be a game-changer in affordable luxury travel, challenging global standards?
In the video, Welder marvels at the train's swivel seats, which rotate toward the window, offering passengers breathtaking views of the Indian landscape. 'It feels like I'm on a Japanese or Chinese high-speed train,' he remarks, highlighting the spacious overhead compartments that effortlessly accommodate even oversized luggage. The coach also features both Indian and Western-style toilets, catering to diverse passenger needs. Shortly after boarding, Welder received a complimentary water bottle, followed by soup and pre-ordered meals that included chapati, curries, rice, vegetables, and even ice cream. 'And this is the part most people miss,' he adds, 'snacks are included in the ticket price. How crazy is that?'
As the journey neared its end, Welder reflected on the incredible value for money. 'For just $23, we got a five-and-a-half-hour ride with all meals and snacks included—unheard of in Europe,' he noted. The video quickly went viral, amassing over 592,000 views and sparking hundreds of comments. While many praised Welder for showcasing India's positive side, others debated whether the Vande Bharat could truly compete with luxury trains like the Maharajas Express or Palace on Wheels. One user pointed out, 'For tourists, this isn’t the most luxurious train, but it’s a fantastic option for its price.'
But here’s the real question: Is the Vande Bharat a symbol of India’s progress, or is it just a budget-friendly alternative that falls short of global luxury standards? Built at the Integral Coach Factory in Chennai, the train is a flagship product of the Make in India initiative, with homegrown design, assembly, and technology. Yet, some argue that India still has a long way to go to match the infrastructure of countries like Japan or China. What do you think? Is the Vande Bharat a testament to India’s innovation, or is there room for improvement? Let us know in the comments—this debate is far from over!
