India’s Unique Sachkhand Express: The Spiritual Train Journey Where Every Passenger Is Served Free Meals

Published on October 8, 2025

Among the many remarkable train journeys in India, the Sachkhand Express stands out as a true symbol of compassion and community spirit. This train connects the sacred cities of Nanded in Maharashtra and Amritsar in Punjab, offering passengers a journey unlike any other. What makes this experience extraordinary is that every traveller on board is served free meals throughout the journey — a tradition rooted deeply in the Sikh practice of langar, the community kitchen where food is prepared and shared without discrimination.

Over nearly 33 hours and 2,000 kilometres, this train becomes a moving reflection of India’s spiritual and cultural richness. The initiative, sustained for almost three decades, turns an ordinary train ride into a pilgrimage of kindness. The meals are not part of Indian Railways’ catering service but are lovingly prepared in nearby Gurudwaras by volunteers who ensure that every passenger, regardless of background or class, receives freshly cooked, wholesome food.

The Route of Faith and Generosity

The Sachkhand Express runs between two of Sikhism’s most revered sites — the Hazur Sahib Gurudwara in Nanded and the Golden Temple in Amritsar. Both destinations hold immense spiritual significance, attracting thousands of devotees each year. The train’s name, “Sachkhand,” translates to “Realm of Truth,” symbolizing the divine abode in Sikh belief.

The journey covers a diverse stretch of India’s heartland, crossing states such as Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Haryana, Delhi, and Punjab. Along its route, the train halts at 39 stations, including Parbhani, Jalna, Aurangabad, Bhopal, New Delhi, and Marathwada. At many of these stops, volunteers are seen boarding the train with containers filled with fresh, home-cooked meals — the langar — which are distributed to passengers with humility and devotion.

Each stop transforms into a moment of service. The aroma of dal, roti, sabzi, and kheer fills the coaches as passengers, many of whom are strangers, share a meal in gratitude and respect. This remarkable practice is not only about feeding the hungry but also about nurturing equality and fraternity — core tenets of Sikh philosophy.

The Tradition That Keeps Giving

The practice of serving free meals on this train has been ongoing for 29 years, a testament to the enduring faith and community effort of Sikh devotees. The initiative is entirely funded by donations collected through Gurudwaras and managed by volunteers. From cooking to packaging and transporting the food, every step reflects the dedication of those who consider serving others a sacred duty.

Each Gurudwara along the route contributes according to its capacity. Some prepare breakfast and tea, others arrange for lunch and dinner. The ingredients are locally sourced, ensuring that the food remains fresh and nutritious. What makes this initiative even more special is that it operates independently of railway catering systems, relying solely on the goodwill of individuals and institutions driven by faith.

This spirit of service, known as seva, forms the foundation of Sikh culture. It teaches selflessness and the belief that serving others is equivalent to serving the divine. The Sachkhand Express thus becomes more than just a train — it becomes a moving expression of this sacred principle.

How the Langar System Works on Board

Behind the smooth functioning of this tradition lies a well-organized network of volunteers and Gurudwaras. At designated stations, freshly cooked meals are brought to the platform just before the train’s arrival. As soon as the train halts, volunteers swiftly board, carrying stainless steel containers filled with hot food. The distribution happens seamlessly — passengers are served right at their seats, ensuring that everyone on board receives their meal before the train resumes its journey.

The food is simple yet nourishing — typically consisting of dal (lentils), chapati or rice, sabzi (vegetable curry), and sometimes a sweet dish. The menu varies slightly based on the station and the region, offering passengers a taste of different local cuisines infused with devotion.

Every act, from the preparation to the serving, is performed with reverence. Volunteers often clean up after the service, ensuring the train remains tidy. There are no formal announcements or advertisements; the system functions purely through coordination, respect, and a shared sense of purpose.

A Symbol of Unity on Wheels

In a world often divided by class, religion, and status, the Sachkhand Express stands as a remarkable symbol of unity. Travellers from all walks of life — pilgrims, families, students, and tourists — share the same food, sitting side by side. There are no separate menus for different ticket classes, no special privileges for anyone. Every passenger receives the same attention, the same meal, and the same warmth.

This unique experience not only nourishes the body but also the soul. For many passengers, it becomes a reminder of India’s timeless message of inclusivity. For international travellers exploring India’s spiritual tourism circuit, the journey offers a profound glimpse into the living traditions of the Sikh faith — one that transcends boundaries and promotes universal brotherhood.

The Legacy of the Sikh Langar

The roots of the langar tradition trace back to the teachings of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of Sikhism, who emphasized equality, humility, and service. Every Gurudwara in the world continues this tradition, feeding millions of people daily regardless of religion, caste, or nationality. The extension of this sacred service onto a moving train like the Sachkhand Express beautifully illustrates how faith can travel beyond the confines of a temple and into everyday life.

For decades, passengers have recounted their experiences with deep emotion, often describing the journey as a spiritual awakening. Many consider the train not merely a mode of transport but a mobile reflection of Sikh values — humility in service, equality in action, and joy in giving.

Beyond a Train Journey

The Sachkhand Express exemplifies how travel in India can be more than movement between destinations; it can be an encounter with humanity at its best. For those embarking on this journey, the free meals are not seen as charity but as a blessing — an invitation to participate in a living tradition that celebrates kindness and community.

As India continues to modernize its railways with high-speed trains and luxury coaches, the Sachkhand Express remains a timeless reminder of what truly enriches travel — not luxury or speed, but shared experiences and human connection.

This journey between Nanded and Amritsar thus becomes a moving testimony to India’s soul — diverse, compassionate, and ever united through the spirit of giving.