Travelling to Bangalore from Chennai has been one of the easiest flights before 2001 and this resulted in tight Airport security. In those days, I have done many morning-evening same-day return trips leaving home at 5:30 AM and coming back home at 8 PM. As Bangalore’s traffic grew exponentially and the change to the new Bengaluru International Airport happened, it made these trips difficult. It takes you to travel from Airport to City (or another way) for about 2 hours even by Vayu Vajra buses, which I like.
Today for a business meeting around 12 PM, I travelled by Shathapthi Express (Train 2007) from Chennai reached Bangalore at 10.55 AM and returned back by Shathapthi (Train 2008) that left Bangalore city at 4:20 PM. The journey was comfortable with food being served more than a full-service Airline all throughout the 5-hour journey. The coaches & toilets were clean, the ride was smooth & seats comfortable. This is my third or fourth travel by Shathapthi to Bangalore & highly recommend it for travelling in this sector.
Coach in Shathapthi Express
During the return ride from Bangalore to Chennai, I watched the movie “The Help” on my MacBook Air, I love train journeys just for this luxury, no need to shut down during take-offs and landings & you can charge your laptop without being in Business class.
While boarding in Bangalore City, I strolled into a small Railway Museum displaying olden days Railway equipment & tools. This is a good attempt by South Western Railways, most stations should have one to encourage kids to learn about history and design for the future. It a free entry, nothing kept here is fragile or expensive but still, there were two railway staff manning the museum – proving Indian Railways tradition.
Token Pouch used as a token by drivers – Bangalore City Station Museum
Calling bell to call station master – Bangalore City Station Museum
Block Instrument – Bangalore City Station Museum
Every time I go to Bangalore City station and walk down between the platforms in the subway I feel like taking a photograph – I like that long subway, it gives a feeling of exploration.
Subway between platforms in Bangalore city station
Lastly, this bright red couch painted with Mysore Sandal soap advertisement was looking so beautiful on the tracks that I immediately clicked it. I wish they paint all train coaches with more of these bright colours and nice pictures.
Bright red train coach in Bangalore city station