BG, in the past, certain prestigious trains had dining cars. Chennai-Howrah Mails and Mumbai-Howrah Mails via Nagpur had them. As compartments were not vestibuled, you could get down at one of the stations and board these dining cars. There were chairs and dining tables.You could order your food and be served on the table by the waiters much like in a restaurant. After you finished, you were expected to get off at the next halt and board your own compartment, making way for the next lot of passengers. I had my first OMLETTE and FINGER CHIPS in the dining car of the Howrah-Chennai Mail, courtesy my elder cousin. Sometime in 1962/63.