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Journalism of Courage
A German traveller touring India has gone viral after he shared an unexpectedly glowing review of his Vande Bharat Express experience. His Instagram reel, already crossing 1.4 million views, drew comparisons between India’s semi-high-speed train and the advanced rail networks of Japan and China, earning a flood of appreciation from Indian audiences.
The traveller, Alexander Welder, who has been documenting his journey across the country, uploaded a video titled ‘Taking a ride on India’s most modern train’. In the clip, he and his companion take viewers through their five-and-a-half-hour executive class trip, which cost Rs 2,100 per head and came with a full meal service.
“Today, we’re taking a journey on what is considered India’s most modern train, the Vande Bharat, in executive class,” he begins. “I’m going to show you what the experience is like,” he says.
Welder is especially taken by the rotating seats that can be turned to face the windows — something he describes as a “game changer” for travellers who enjoy scenic routes. He also notes how unusually roomy the overhead storage is.
“This luggage is insanely big, but it still fits comfortably,” he says, pointing out that the train features both Indian and Western-style washrooms, another detail he didn’t expect.
Within minutes of settling in, he’s handed a complimentary water bottle, followed by soup, snacks and later a full hot meal featuring chapati, an assortment of curries, rice, vegetables, and even ice cream. “We just got snacks also included in the ticket. How crazy is that?” he says, genuinely surprised at what the ticket offers.
By the end of the trip, he sums it up matter-of-factly: “Five and a half hours. Rs 2,100 per person. And all meals were included.”
The video has since travelled across multiple platforms, with many Indians applauding how Welder highlighted a modern, often overlooked side of the country’s railway system.
One commenter wrote, “It has been 78 years since India gained independence, yet only today has a world-class train service been launched. Happy to see it.”
Another said, “Love it when our guests from around the world enjoy our facilities to the extent of whatever is at offer. Atithhi Devo Bhavah!”
A third viewer added, “Now and in the future, everyone will speak about India’s greatness and prosperity… Our policy is ‘Nation First, everything else comes next.’ Under Modi Sarkar, everything is progressing well. We pray for him and extend our full support to him. Bharat Mata Ki Jai!”
And someone else joked, “Finally saw a rich foreigner, who can afford Vande Bharat.”
