Platform7

My earlier post had explained in fair detail of the predicament and hurdles I faced while planning a trip to Kerala for Vishu. Although a fair effort was put into planning and booking, all the efforts were in vain as SpiceJet decided to cancel our flights (I am still waiting for a refund on those bookings!). The information about cancellation of our flight from Kochi to Bengaluru came about a week before we were to travel, and this actually made us think if it was better to cancel the trip. The lure of going home after close to 6 months, and the fact that this was the first Vishu after our wedding made me look for other options. Flights were too expensive, and were ruled out earlier on itself. Trains were all waitlisted, and I couldn't fully depend on booking a tatkal ticket. Buses from Thrissur to Bengaluru were charging fares that was almost at par with flight fare. Left with not many options, we chose to book from Coimbatore to Bengaluru - I had a lot of confusion there, and f…

UDAY aka Utkrisht Double-decker Air-conditioned Yatri Express trains were thought to be innovative high-capacity overnight express trains with seating facility that connected pairs of high-density points. These trains were to be built with two decks, thereby increasing the carrying capacity, and offering better seats than normal AC Chair cars - seats with calf rests and all the bells and whistles. However, in reality, like all Utkrisht coaches, the ones in UDAY express also turned out to be Lipstick on the Pig. The same old Double decker coaches were wrapped in a not-so-fancy vinyl including the interiors, and some fancy modifications were performed. Three coaches in the entire formation were converted to have a "pantry" - basically a storage area with heaters and coolers for the food, and a dining area with round stools and table. The railways also did announce plans to install vending machines in the dining area. The first UDAY express began its journey in June 2018 - on …