INDIAN RAILWAYS’ “SACHKHAND EXPRESS” A Journey of Kindness on Railtracks

 INDIAN RAILWAYS’ “SACHKHAND EXPRESS”

A Journey of Kindness on Railtracks

Introduction

The Indian Railways, depicting a lively insignia of national integration and mobility, stands as the world’s fourth-largest railway network, ferrying over 23 million passengers daily across the length and breadth of the country. It is not just a means of transport, but a moving mosaic of India's unity in diversity, focused dreams, and shared stories. Amidst this grand railway tapestry runs a unique train that not only bridges distances but also touches hearts, extending unique service on the Tracks of Indian Glory – the Sachkhand Express, connecting Hazur Sahib Nanded in Maharashtra to Sri Harmandir Sahib Golden Temple in Amritsar, Punjab, India, covering over 2000 km en route.

Indian Railways

The Indian Railway was nationalized in 1951 and is administratively divided into 18 zones. The first Indian railway line was operated for public traffic in 1853 between the then Bombay and Thane, covering a distance of 34 km. The first electrically operated train ran in India with the inauguration of services between Bombay VT and Kurla Harbour on February 03, 1925, on the ex-GIP Railway system.

Sachkhand Express: A Divine Thread Between Two Holy Cities

The Sachkhand Express (Tr. No. 12715) is more than a train – it is a spiritual journey bridging two of the most sacred Sikh shrines. Hazur Sahib in Nanded is the site where Guru Gobind Singh Ji, the tenth Sikh Guru, breathed his last and declared Guru Granth Sahib as the eternal Guru, and the Harmandir Sahib, Amritsar, on the other end, is home to the revered Golden Temple, the spiritual nucleus of the Sikh faith. The train, named "Sachkhand", meaning “The Realm of Truth”, lives up to its name by connecting these religious centers embodying the Sikh principle of selfless service.

It is the only train that quietly stands out, not because of speed, luxury, or technology, but for something resembling just being humane. This is the only train in India where passengers are served free breakfast, lunch, and dinner throughout their journey, which lasts nearly 35 hours from Maharashtra to Punjab. If one travels on this train, s/he’ll be offered a fresh home-style wholesome vegetarian meal, without anyone asking for money, and get hot puris/chapatis, sabzi to dal, and kadhi-chawal with a warm smile, prepared and served with devotion. The food reflects taste and the timeless Sikh tradition of equality and care for fellow human beings. The gesture transcends social, religious, and economic barriers, offering every traveler, rich or poor, a sense of belonging and comfort.

These meals aren’t cooked in a railway kitchen; instead, they’re prepared at nearby Gurudwaras and brought on board by volunteers. It’s all part of the Sikh tradition of langar, where anyone, rich or poor, local or stranger, is offered food with respect and free of cost. This beautiful service has been going on since 1995, and passengers have been served free meals for nearly 30 years.

The food is not served at just one place; it is offered at several stations along the journey. While there is no official list, many passengers have received meals at stops like Aurangabad, Bhopal, Jhansi, Gwalior, Delhi, and Ludhiana. And, since the meals are not from the railway’s pantry, one must carry his/her own plate or tiffin box to receive the food. Volunteers usually walk along the platform or get into the coaches with containers full of fresh meals, offering them to whoever is willing to accept.

Free Food with a Spirit of Universal Brotherhood

What sets the Sachkhand Express apart from other such trains in the Indian Railways' massive fleet is its noble tradition of offering free food to all passengers, inbound and outbound. This humanitarian yet unofficial practice is not mandated by the Rail authorities, but is greatly sustained through the generous efforts of innumerable volunteers, local gurdwaras, and Sikh philanthropic organizations along the route. From Nanded to Amritsar, langar-style meals are offered with the warmth of kin and humility, turning the train journey into a moving community kitchen.

A Glimpse into the Human Face

The story of Sachkhand Express adds a deeply human dimension to the otherwise mechanical narrative of rail connectivity. It showcases how a public utility, backed by citizen involvement and religious goodwill, can become a vehicle for unity, compassion, and cultural continuity.

The Indian Railways have long been admired for their efficiency, scale, and heritage, yet stories like that of the Sachkhand Express reveal their soul of exemplary passion. They remind us that railways are not made of just steel-encased boggies, railtracks, and moving engines, but platforms where India’s inclusive spirit runs uninterrupted.

A Journey Worth Celebrating

As India races ahead with modern bullet trains and digital ticketing, let us not forget the traditional wisdom and communal values that ride along with it. The Sachkhand Express is not just transporting passengers, but it is nurturing a legacy of faith, humility, and shared humanity.

In a world often divided into factions, simple plates of food served freely on a train become a symbol of oneness. Indian Railways, through such stories, truly becomes a lifeline of the nation, not only in logistics but in love.

Indian Railways operates an average of over 13,000 passenger trains daily, including Mail, Express, Passenger, and Suburban trains. This number includes various classes of trains, including those with specific running schedules. In the financial year 2024-25, they covered about 7,500 stations and carried 8 billion passengers while operating alongside an average of 12,000 freight trains daily.

Conclusion

In a time when the world knows about give and take, the Sachkhand Express reminds us that kindness can travel unbounded distances. What began as a humble offering by the Sikh community has become a part of this train’s identity. So next time someone talks about Indian Railways, tell them there’s one train that offers more than a journey, a moving tale of generosity, faith, and shared humanity.

By Prof. (Dr.) Pranab Kumar Bhattacharya

(The writer is a Hyderabad-based freelance author, journalist, speaker, leadership coach, and Emeritus Professor of Management Studies)