Did you know that out of over 12,000 trains operated by Indian Railways, only one train offers free meals to its passengers? Despite carrying nearly 2.5 crore people daily across the country, requiring over 13,452 trains including many luxury and superfast ones, just a single train provides complimentary food.
This unique train not only ensures a joyful journey but also serves free breakfast, lunch, and dinner during travel without charging passengers a single penny. Operated between two major religious destinations, it has been continuing this noble service for the last 29 years.
The train is the Sachkhand Express (12715), which runs from Nanded city in Maharashtra to Amritsar in Punjab. It connects two sacred Sikh pilgrimage centres i.e Hazur Sahib Gurudwara in Nanded and Sri Harmandir Sahib (Golden Temple) in Amritsar.
Hazur Sahib is where the 10th Sikh Guru, Guru Govind Singh, passed away in 1708. The train serves as a bridge between two revered sites of Sikh faith, making it not just a mode of travel but a spiritual journey for pilgrims.
Free meals at six stations
Covering nearly 2,000 km and halting at 39 stations, the Sachkhand Express takes about 33 hours to complete its journey. During the trip, free food is served at six designated stops:
- New Delhi
- Bhopal
- Parbhani
- Jalna
- Aurangabad
- Marathwada
Here, arrangements are made for ‘Langar’, where passengers are offered freshly cooked meals completely free of charge.
Who pays for the food?
Unlike other Indian trains where food is available at a cost, all expenses for the Langar on Sachkhand Express are borne through donations made to Gurudwaras. The train’s schedule is thoughtfully designed so that travellers can comfortably enjoy their meals along the way.
The menu may vary, but commonly served dishes include khichdi, dalma, chhole, rice with kadhi, aloo-gobi, and seasonal vegetables.
Passengers from general to AC coaches often bring their own utensils to enjoy the food served on the train. The initiative not only showcases the Indian tradition of hospitality but also reflects the Sikh community’s deep-rooted values of seva.
In an age where comfort often comes at a price, Sachkhand Express stands out as a symbol of devotion, generosity, and inclusivity, taking passengers on both a physical and spiritual journey across India.
