Matsyagandha Express turns 25! A short train journey to relive the memories, Konkan Railway '98-2023

Some trains are special, for they hold an intrinsic value apart from what they offer as a mode of conveyance.

It was on May 1st, 1998 that the first dedicated direct train from Mangalore to Bombay was flagged off. Called the "Matsyagandha Express" which translates to "aroma of fish", the train runs along the South Western coast, transporting not just passengers but also befitting to her name, fresh fish from the harbors along the Karnataka coast to Mumbai.

I was onboard the 5th run of this train back in May 1998 as a small kid and I couldn't miss out on the opportunity of traveling at least a short distance by the very same train on her 25th anniversary. There was no fanfare or decorations at Mangaluru which was sad but at Udupi, the local Rail Yatri Sangha did commemorate the event by distributing sweets and pasting a banner on the locomotive.

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