At a time when most trains across the Indian Railways network offer onboard meals at an additional cost, the Sachkhand Express (12715) stands out for a unique tradition—it has been serving complimentary meals to its passengers free of charge for nearly 29 years.
Covering a distance of approximately 2,000 km between Nanded in Maharashtra and Amritsar in Punjab, the train connects two major Sikh pilgrimage centres—Sri Huzur Sahib Gurudwara in Nanded and Sri Harmandir Sahib (Golden Temple) in Amritsar. This spiritual significance has shaped its long-standing tradition of providing ‘langar’ meals to all on board.
A Journey Fueled by Seva
Operating over a 33-hour journey with stops at 39 stations, the Sachkhand Express offers free meals at six major halts: New Delhi, Bhopal, Parbhani, Jalna, Aurangabad, and Marathwada. These meals are part of the community service (seva) organised by local Gurudwaras, a hallmark of Sikh tradition.
The langar menu includes wholesome dishes such as kadhi-chawal, chhole, dal, khichdi, and aloo-gobi, ensuring passengers are well-fed throughout the journey. These meals are made possible through donations in the form of food and funds collected by Gurudwaras.
Carry Your Own Plate
While the meals are provided at no cost, passengers are encouraged to carry their own utensils, as this helps maintain hygiene and supports the smooth running of the voluntary service.
A Spiritual and Cultural Lifeline
The Sachkhand Express is more than just a train—it is a symbol of faith, generosity, and community spirit. Serving thousands of pilgrims and passengers each week, it exemplifies the core Sikh value of selfless service, making it a one-of-a-kind experience in the Indian Railways network.
With Indian Railways managing over 13,000 passenger trains across 67,000 km of track, the Sachkhand Express remains a rare and inspiring exception in the country’s vast transportation system.
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