Page 11 - Seniorstoday December 2023 Issue

engine added a nostalgic charm to the
journey.
Food was always an important and
exciting aspect of travel. There would
be a dining car that was attached to the
train and from this kitchen, food would
be served to the passengers. But the joy
of travel would be the food that one ate
from the vendors at various stations. At
Kalyan one would get dinner on the station
from the dining car, vendors on stations
would be selling Puri Bhaji and Chivda.
At Kasara and Igatpuri there would be
Batata Vadas, two pieces in a small white
paper bag and Puri Bhaji. At Manmad
junction there would be Puri Bhaji and
various other foods. In Maharashtra Batata
Vada, Puri Bhaji and Poha were standard
fare that was available at most stations.
The trains would stop at Manmad for 25 There would be Tea in khullads, small
minutes to refill the water tanks above. earthen glasses made for tea. Every station
Similarly in the morning at Itarsi junction had Chaiwalas through the day and night
the train would stop for water refuelling would walk the length of the train on either
and toilet cleaning. side shouting “Chai Garam Chai ‘’. For
which there were always customers. In the
forties to popularise Tea there were sign
boards that said “Garmi me Garam Chai
thandak puhchata hai’’ (In the summer
hot tea cools you down), bread pakodas,
sandwiches, Poha, Chana puri and a
variety of other breakfast foods. Freshly
made and served hot. Breakfast would be
Tea in khullads served at Bhopal junction. Between Itarsi
and Bhopal the dining car boys would take
orders and serve breakfast. There would
be greasy omelettes with bread butter and
a little plastic thermos of hot tea or coffee
served in plastic glasses. Between Bina
junction and Jhansi, lunch was served
from the dining car. My mother and I
would get down at Jhansi and our journey
ended. But from Jhansi to Delhi was also
Samosas on the train a culinary experience. At Gwalior station

SENIORS TODAY | ISSUE #54 | DECEMBER 2023 11