I traveled on this train on November 2nd, 2024, from Lucknow (LKO) to Prayagraj (PRG) in the CC (Chair Car) class. Here are some observations:

1. The train was powered by a CNB WAG-9 engine. The number of GS (General Second Class) coaches was more than what was mentioned in the train composition.
2. The AC chair car coach was locked and only opened around 6:50 am. The train was already on platform 8 (PF8). The Lucknow Mail with a GZB WAP-5 engine (which had HOG connectors but mentioned non-HOG in the sticker) arrived on PF1.
3. Be sure to buy water bottles or snacks at LKO or bring them from home. There isn't a single food shop on PF8.
4. Thankfully, the chair car coach is disconnected from the GS coaches since the GS coaches don't have vestibules. This means no GS crowd can enter the chair car. On the downside, vendors en route don't enter the CC coach at any platform along the way.
5. My train was delayed by 1 hour that day. However, regular passengers said the train usually runs on time.
6. The chair car coach was completely packed. Throughout the entire journey, even the TTE (Ticket Examiner) and the AC attendant had to stand. I thought the TTE had a dedicated seat, but perhaps some other senior staff might have been sitting there. Since the Vande Bharat train wasn't running on Saturday, that might also be a reason for the crowd. Officials should be sensible and ensure Vande Bharat has a day off on weekdays instead of weekends, as it's done in South India.
7. I want to repeat that at any intermediate station, there will be no tea vendor, water bottle vendor, or samosa vendor inside the coach.
8. Only at Raebareli can you get tea and samosas on the platform. Since the train was delayed, it barely stopped for 2 minutes, and only young people could manage to buy and return to the coach.
9. Water was available in the toilets and washbasins. Cleanliness was minimal.
10. The cleanliness inside the coach was basic. The trash in the water bottle holders wasn't cleaned at LKO.
11. The cooling was low but somewhat comfortable.
12. The upper luggage rack is narrower, so people had to keep their luggage in line with the rack. Therefore, it's advised to come early if you have big suitcases as there might not be enough space left.
13. The train stopped at Phaphamau for a good 10 minutes even though there's no scheduled stop there.
14. You can easily get an Ola/Uber from PRG. At PRG, you need to climb the overbridge, and there's no ramp like at Prayagraj Junction (PRYJ). For elderly people, Pryagraj Sangam (PYGS) might be a better option.
15. Since it's a single line after Unchahar, delay recovery isn't possible for this train.
16. At Gopalganj, we were surprised to see another train called the Lucknow Prayagraj Sangam Intercity. This was a special train that was coming from Amethi.