Amtrak vs. Indian Railways: A Race to See Who Can Be Slower

A MINUTE READ

When it comes to trains, two titans dominate the tracks: Amtrak in the United States and Indian Railways in, well... India. Both systems have achieved something extraordinary: they've turned the simple act of moving from Point A to Point B into an epic saga of patience, resilience, and philosophical reflection.

The Great Speed Debate

Amtrak prides itself on being America’s premium rail service, yet some Amtrak trains travel so slowly that passengers swear they’ve seen trees grow taller while waiting. Meanwhile, Indian Railways counters this with its own mastery of slow-motion transportation, where some express trains appear to move slower than a man casually riding a bicycle with two bags of groceries.

Amtrak’s famed Acela Express is advertised as "high-speed" but still manages to take longer than a road trip during Thanksgiving traffic. Indian Railways, on the other hand, boasts trains with poetic names like Rajdhani Express, which translates to "Capital Express," but at times feels more like "Relax and Enjoy the View Express."

Dining Delights or Culinary Roulette?

On Amtrak, dining options range from a delightful microwaved burger to a sandwich that might still be thawing. In contrast, Indian Railways serves flavorful samosas, spiced curries, and chai that’s strong enough to make you forget you’re three hours behind schedule.

Entertainment Onboard: A Unique Experience

Amtrak’s idea of entertainment is staring at empty cornfields or counting how many barns you pass. Indian Railways offers a dynamic experience — hawkers selling everything from tea to toys, families unpacking full buffet spreads, and the occasional goat calmly resting in a luggage rack.

Ticket Pricing: Choose Your Financial Adventure

Amtrak’s ticket prices can rival domestic airline fares, while Indian Railways offers budget options so affordable you may wonder if they forgot to charge you. On Amtrak, you pay for speed you’ll never experience. On Indian Railways, you pay for delays you’ve come to expect.

Final Verdict: Pick Your Patience Test

If you crave overpriced snacks and the thrill of unexpected delays, Amtrak is your ride. If you prefer spicy snacks, vibrant chaos, and the possibility of sharing your seat with a chicken, Indian Railways delivers.

No matter your choice, one thing’s certain: you'll have plenty of time to reflect on life, write a novel, or master the art of meditation — all while traveling at the speed of molasses.