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Journalism of Courage
Indian Railways have long been called the country’s lifeline, and a recent Instagram video from Vancouver-based content creator Raychel Reimer-Hurley is reminding people why. Her reel about travelling across India by train has struck a chord with viewers in India and abroad.
Reimer-Hurley, who rode three trains on her trip, painted a vivid picture of the experience, from navigating a packed station at dawn to settling into her air-conditioned coach. In the clip, she talks about setting off at 5 am, scanning for Platform 7 as vendors rushed past and passengers caught some sleep on the station floor. She even spotted “a few commuters hopping onto a moving train,” something she called a uniquely Indian sight.
On board, she said the service exceeded expectations. Staff handed her a blanket along with a brown paper bag filled with bedding essentials, and she tucked into a simple vegetarian meal during the seven-hour journey. At just about $12 (Rs 1,000, approximately), she called Indian train travel one of the best bargains in the world, adding, “You not only reach your destination but also experience the real India along the way.”
The influencer’s guide on how to book tickets, choose between different classes, and navigate long train rides has already crossed nearly one lakh views. Viewers from both India and abroad have lauded her candid take, with many agreeing that train journeys remain an essential part of the Indian travel experience.
Her reel, which also included tips on booking tickets, choosing classes and surviving long hauls, has already crossed nearly 100,000 views. Many foreign and Indian commenters praised her upbeat take. A South African travel vlogger wrote, “Looks fairly comfortable in the sleeper class! But yeah getting on the train was a mission and a half that’s for sure haha Loved that the vendors walked up and down with food.” Another couple chimed in, “Such a wild experience! I only did the buses there and the overnight ones were quite interesting haha.”
Others offered cautionary notes, with one viewer writing, “Stay aware phone snatching is quite common. I ignored and got my mobile stolen on 12 Sep on Lucknow junction @uppolice didn’t file my FIR too.” And a fourth person said, “You must travel through Bihar to get the top most experience.”
