Taking a lead from his mother and UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi in practising austerity, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi today travelled to Ludhiana in the chair car of Shatabdi Express. A day after his mother flew to Mumbai in the economy class, Rahul boarded the train this morning from the New Delhi Railway Station to travel to the northern industrial city.

Rahul refused to accept flowers presented to him at the station, saying it was the privilege of the executive class passengers and also demanded that he be served water in a plastic cup like other passengers. Passengers travelling by the train were elated to know that the young leader was travelling with them.

"It is good that Rahul Gandhi is travelling with common people. He will get to see our problems first hand," a male passenger said.

A woman travelling in the same coach said, "I am feeling great after hearing that I will travel with Rahul Gandhi". Railway officials said that Rahul will be served ''paranthas,'' curd, ''idli,'' ''vada'' and fruits.

However, this menu was exclusively for him, the officials said, adding that any specific requests by Rahul will be gladly met. .