If there is anything that is not mechanical in the world of science and technology it is certainly travelling by trains. In my childhood it was very romantic to even hear the sound of train whistling past in far. Even a person who dislikes most to be in a crowded place feels glad to be in the midst of crowded Howrah Railway station and waiting for his train. A long distance travel by train is itself a festive occasion even before the journey begins. The airplane can save time and afford comfort but it cannot make a journey a joyous affair as the train does. I do not know if there is an association of air-travelers internationally; but there is one with the railway travelers. The Society of International Railway Travelers with its office in Louisville, Kentucky, USA has recently announced the names of world’s top twenty five trains. Their assessment is based on their practical experiences, their writers, editors, members- world over and their staff. The list has been published in January 16, 2008. They have not made a ranking list. Their list is given below:
NORTH AMERICA
1. Canadian Express
2. Royal Canadian Pacific
3. Canadian Rockies Steam Express
4. Rocky Mountaineer (Canada)
5. GrandLuxe Express (US)
6. Sierra Madre Express (Mexico)
SOUTH AMERICA
7. Andean Explorer(Peru)
8. Hiram Bingham (Peru)
AFRICA
9. Blue Train (South Africa)
10. Pride of Africa(Rovos Rail-South Africa)
ASIA/INDIAN SUB-CONTINENY
11. Palace on Wheel (India)
12. Eastern and Oriental Express (SE Asia)
13. Shangrila Express(Tibet)
14. Darjeeling Toy Train (India)
15. Deccan Odyssey (India)
EUROPE
16. Danube Express(Central Europe, Turkey)
17. Al Andalus Express (Spain)
20. Venice Simplon-Oriental Express (Europe)
21. Glacier Express (Switzerland)
22. Royal Scotsman (Scotland)
DOWN UNDER
23. Ghan (Australia)
24. Indian Pacific (Australia)
25. Sunlander (Australia)
According to the President of the Society-Eleanor Hardy, the above trains met stringent standards for service, accommodation, scenery, itinerary, off-train experiences and passenger enjoyment.
All these trains have a high fare-tag except the Darjeeling Toy Train which earns Rs 26,000-64,000 from fare for an entire train for a day. The Train was declared UNESCO World
Heritage Site in 1999. The Train was introduced in 1879.
