59% of trains delayed is not an accurate representation. IR has what is known as an operating schedule provided for intermediate stations which differs from the published schedule. The intermediate and published schedules are synchronized at major junctions along the way. The operating schedule has slack built in. A train running late by upto an hour usually arrives on or before time at major and terminating stations. A case in point right at this instance 65% of the trains are on schedule, checking during the morning hours in India will show a higher on time percentage on time as trains approach terminating stops.

The delays made the trip awesome. I haven't gotten onto a train in a decade but tier-2 AC is the greatest travel experience in the world.

yeah, I also do miss them so much..

a 36 hour journey from Chennay to NJP in a Sleeper.. This is India.)

At least the food on the Indian AC trains is not that awful.

I am sure "being delayed" had a lot to do with the fond memories :-)

When I was a kid and used to go on vacation with family, the late train was so good for me. It meant few extra vacation hours before schools and homework would start. I hope it would become the same again. BTW, only my lifestyle has changed. Train timings are still there where they were 15 yrs ago or maybe have become "more relaxing" :-)