The Destination
The air hangs thick and wet at Santragachi Junction, a supporting station for Kolkata that few travelers ever really notice. By the time you walk from the entrance to Platform 1, your shirt is already clinging to your skin. The humidity here is a character in its own right—far more oppressive than even Kolkata proper, as a local might warn you. This is where the 22285 Santragachi–Tirupati Weekly Superfast Express begins its 1610-kilometer journey, cutting a diagonal line across eastern India.
This isn't a glamorous route. It's a workhorse train, a weekly lifeline for migrant workers, students, and families moving between West Bengal, Odisha, and Andhra Pradesh. What makes it special is its raw, unfiltered cross-section of Indian rail life: the chaos of boarding with a waitlisted ticket, the smell of Kolkata-style biryani from the station's Rail Coach Restaurant, the sudden shift from Bengali to Odia landscapes, and the eventual arrival in the temple town of Tirupati. For a travel creator, this is gold—real, unscripted, and deeply human.
Getting There & Getting Around
Santragachi Junction (code: SRC) is about 10 kilometers from Howrah Station, easily reached by local train or taxi. The vlogger in the video took a local train from Howrah, which is the most practical and budget-friendly option. If you're coming from Kolkata's airport or other parts of the city, allow at least an hour for the commute, factoring in traffic or train schedules.
The train itself departs every Sunday at 14:55 from Platform 1 and arrives in Tirupati the following day at 16:25—a journey of about 25.5 hours. It's a weekly service, so plan accordingly. The official first stop after Santragachi is Kharagpur, 107 kilometers away, which the train covers non-stop. From there, it calls at Balasore, Bhadrak, Cuttack, Bhubaneswar, Visakhapatnam (where the locomotive reverses direction), Vijayawada, and several other stations before reaching Tirupati.
A key logistical point: the vlogger booked a sleeper class ticket and ended up with an RAC (Reservation Against Cancellation) status, meaning no confirmed berth. This is common on popular long-distance routes, especially during peak seasons. If you're a creator who values comfort for filming, consider booking a 3AC or 2AC ticket well in advance—ideally at least 30-60 days ahead. The train's coach composition includes 5 general coaches, 1 second AC, 4 third AC, and 9 sleeper class coaches.
The Experience
The journey begins with a sensory assault: the heat, the noise, the sheer press of humanity. The vlogger notes that the crowd is intense, with people boarding even at non-scheduled stops. But this is also where the magic happens. You'll witness parallel runs with other trains—like the Steel Express or the Tamralipta Express—and crossovers that rail enthusiasts dream about. The vlogger captures a beautiful sunset near Balaswar, a moment of calm amidst the chaos.
Food is a highlight. At Santragachi station, the Rail Coach Restaurant serves a proper Kolkata-style biryani, complete with a boiled egg, a chicken leg piece, and a potato—a hallmark of the city's culinary tradition. The vlogger describes the biryani's essence as being intentionally strong, almost theatrical in its flavor. Onboard, you can buy snacks and water from vendors at stations, but it's wise to carry your own supply, especially for the long non-stop stretches.
What surprised me most was the vlogger's honesty about the experience. He admits he only traveled as far as Rajahmundry, not the full distance to Tirupati. This is a practical choice—sometimes you only need a segment of a journey to tell a compelling story. He also points out that the train is operated by South Eastern Railway (SER), and the section from Santragachi to Kharagpur is particularly good for high-speed runs, with the train touching 130 km/h.
Costs & Budget
A sleeper class ticket from Santragachi to Tirupati typically costs around ₹500-₹700 ($6-$8 USD), depending on availability and quota. 3AC tickets range from ₹1,200-₹1,800 ($14-$21 USD), and 2AC from ₹1,700-₹2,500 ($20-$30 USD). The vlogger's RAC ticket likely cost the same as a confirmed sleeper ticket, but without a guaranteed berth—meaning you might have to share a seat or stand for part of the journey.
Food at the station biryani restaurant is affordable: a plate of chicken biryani costs around ₹150-₹200 ($2-$2.50 USD). Water bottles, snacks, and tea from station vendors add another ₹100-₹200 ($1.20-$2.40 USD) for the entire trip. If you're on a budget, sleeper class is the way to go, but be prepared for crowds, especially on weekends. For mid-range comfort, 3AC offers air conditioning and more space. For luxury, 2AC or 1AC is quieter and cleaner, but the train only has one 2AC coach.
For Travel Creators
This journey is a goldmine for rail content. The vlogger's approach—focusing on the station, the food, the crowds, and the train's technical details—is a great template. For best footage, position yourself on the right side of the train (direction of travel) to capture station signs and crossovers. The sunset near Balaswar is a must-film moment.
Lighting is challenging: the train's interior is dim, especially in sleeper class. Use a compact camera with good low-light performance or a smartphone with night mode. For exterior shots, mount a small action camera on the window or door (with permission from fellow passengers). The vlogger uses a simple vlogging setup, likely a phone or a basic camera, and the result is raw and authentic—which resonates with audiences.
Permissions: You don't need special permission to film on Indian Railways for personal use, but be respectful of fellow passengers. Avoid filming people without their consent, especially in crowded compartments. The vlogger handles this well by focusing on the train, the tracks, and the scenery.
Should You Go?
This journey is for the adventurous traveler who wants to experience Indian Railways at its most authentic. It's not for luxury seekers or those who need constant comfort. But if you're a backpacker, a budget traveler, or a creator looking for raw, unfiltered content, this route delivers. The vlogger's experience—with the heat, the waitlisted ticket, the chaotic boarding—is a rite of passage.
Solo travelers will find it manageable, but families with young children might prefer a shorter journey or a higher class of travel. For digital nomads, the lack of reliable power outlets and Wi-Fi is a challenge, but the journey itself is a story worth telling. In short: go for the experience, not the comfort. You'll come back with memories—and footage—that no luxury train can offer.
