Jyotiraditya Scindia Reveals Shatabdi Express Secrets and Origin of Food Wrapped In Foil on Indian Railways
Jyotiraditya Scindia Reveals Shatabdi Express Secrets and Origin of Food Wrapped In Foil on Indian Railways
Today, we focus on the famous Vande Bharat trains, highlighting India’s strength in local production. These self-propelled trains, which run at semi-high speeds, are similar to the Shatabdi Express trains from the 80s and 90s, sometimes called “desi bullet trains.” Shatabdi Express trains are renowned for linking big cities with fast services, making a lasting impact on India’s railway past.
In a recent interview, Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya M. Scindia, son of former Railway Minister Madhavrao Scindia, provided insights into the genesis of Shatabdi Express trains. Launched in ”1988 by Madhavrao Scindia, the first Shatabdi Express connected Delhi and Jhansi in honour of Jawaharlal Nehru’s birth centenary.” Madhavrao Scindia’s visionary leadership during his tenure as ”Railway Minister from 1986 to 1989 played a pivotal role in shaping the Shatabdi Express as a realization of his dreams.”
Inspired by his visits to Japan and France, Madhavrao Scindia aimed to incorporate the efficiency of high-speed train systems into India’s railway infrastructure. Jyotiraditya Scindia shared that ”His father’s observations during these trips influenced the concept of the Shatabdi Express trains, emphasizing swift connectivity with limited stops, much like the bullet train system in Japan.”
Madhavrao Scindia’s innovative spirit extended beyond speed, revolutionizing onboard dining experiences. Drawing inspiration from France’s high-speed trains, he introduced a foil-based food serving system on the Shatabdi Express, replacing traditional metal plates.
"शताब्दी, हमारी देसी बुलेट ट्रेन थी जिसको मेरे पूज्य पिताजी श्री माधवराव सिंधिया जी ने जापान और फ्रांस के रेल का अध्ययन कर और आईआईटी के सहयोग से संचालित किया था।"
— Office Of JM Scindia (@Officejmscindia) February 22, 2024
– श्री @JM_Scindia जी pic.twitter.com/vhYQcmokWg
Additionally, he tasked IITs with designing mobile food carts, enhancing convenience and transforming catering services within the trains.
Jyotiraditya Scindia highlighted ”His father’s commitment to modernizing Indian Railways through digitization efforts.” The Computerised Passenger Reservation System, a brainchild of Madhavrao Scindia, marked a significant milestone, streamlining reservation processes and elevating passenger convenience.
The legacy of Shatabdi Express trains endures as a testament to Madhavrao Scindia’s visionary leadership, shaping India’s railway landscape and leaving a lasting impact on high-speed connectivity and passenger experiences.
