I have taken this train once before. I didn't have a pleasant experience back then either. This second time, I am planning to write off this train from my list. I am talking of the very Gomti Express. The name is quite duplicitous. Far from being an Express train, it appears to be a passenger train between Lucknow and Delhi. Iopted for it a second time since I had no other choice at my disposition. We appear to be stultified by following the rules and getting our seats reserved. We have confirmed tickets so that our journey is comfortable and  hassle free.

However, the truth unveils itself while we get on board. The seats are all occupied by those who have booked their tickets like us. But, a few others have a general class ticket and still they happen to be in the AC compartment. They, it seems, are the regular travellers with the train. Or to put it in other words, they are the daily, routine passengers. 

It is surprising to see that in our AC compartment, people are standing as if travelling in a local bus for short distances. The entrance is jampacked. There is no space to set a toe. As the train approaches a station, we see an equally crowded platform and people ready to swarm in. There is a sudden transformation of our AC compartment into a general one. One cannot even dare to pass through the sea of people to use the toilets, at least I cannot. 

I am wondering if this a special day where people have thronged this train or does it happen daily? Whatever the case be, I propose that IRCTC should have a link for passengers' reviews, so that one can rate and bring out the experience which might prove to be beneficial for those who might plan reserve trains. I know it seems a bit unreasonable given the condition of trains and the population. In any case, I am certainly not going to take this train anymore.