‘One-of-a-kind train ride for the senses’: Here’s rail coach restaurant ‘Bhopal Express’

The once retired second class coach was brought to the gardens of the Lake View Ashok Hotel, Bhopal, and was reborn as the Shan-E-Bhopal, the world's first broad gauge train restaurant in 2007.

The dining space looks grand and the retired second class coach looks alluring.

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Restaurants with quirky interiors intrigue food lovers and scores of people often flock to the spot to experience it. For the foodies who love to travel by train, ‘Bhopal Express’ offers a vivid experience. Singer Sharanya Gopinath embarked on the train restaurant and offered glimpses of the interiors on Instagram.

The clip shared by Gopinath on Instagram shows the Bhopal Express. The dining space looks grand and the retired second class coach looks alluring. Gopinath says that she hears the familiar chaiwala calls, railway announcements. She orders biryani, a mix kebab platter and lime and remarks it as a “feast for two, friendly on the pocket, yummy on the tummy”.

ALSO READ | Have you seen the railway coach-turned-restaurant at New Jalpaiguri railway station?

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A post shared by Sharanya Gopinath (@sharanyagopinath)

Gopinath also added details of the restaurant in the Instagram post. “On episode #3 of Sharry’s day out, join me on a train ride! Now, this is no ordinary train. Brainchild of Mr @lohaniashwani, @mptourism, this once retired second class coach was brought to the gardens of the Lake View Ashok Hotel, Bhopal and was reborn as the Shahn e Bhopal – the world’s first broad gauge train restaurant in 2007,” she wrote.

She added, “Post Covid, in 2021 she was given a fresh lease of life as the Bhopal Express. With fine Art deco style interiors, stunning attention to detail in the ambiance evident from the changing stations, the ubiquitous announcements, train rumble, chaaiwala calls, and of course a delectable menu, friendly to the pocket, this is a one-of-a-kind train ride for the senses, right in the lovely city of lakes, Bhopal.”

The Pioneer report said the restaurant has a seating capacity for 32 people inside and for 50 people outside the coach. The coach has been upgraded with LED screens, speakers offering a train ride-like experience for guests.