When you succeed to plan you feel good, when what you planned succeeds you feel great and when you succeed as you planned the feeling is stellar
Something similar happened to me at the fall of 2010. December was traditionally never the brightest in terms of my rail travels. But things changed for good as the year ended and I got my two trips. One was NDLS-JAT and one was NDLS-BSP. The best part was I had to travel alone to BSP and I had a reasonably good number of days at my disposal as vacations. In short, I could think of a Railfan’s connection from NDLS to BSP.
And to make the most of the occasion, I decided to fulfil a long pending wish.. and that was to take the magical 2002 till Bhopal and then anything to BSP. And as it finalised, this “anything” later as booked was Amarkantak Superfast Exp from BPL to BSP.
When every bit fell into place, what emerged was NDLS – BPL by 2002 on 18th Dec. Irctc was kind enough to grant me a Window Seat. And my heart was bumping with joy. Almost daily I stared at the ticket for a min or two and every time my spirit went for a joyride. I just couldn’t wait for the thrill of the fastest run possible on IR.
The only worry was F.O.G.!! 18th Dec is the time of the year for which even the Mausam Bhawan at Lodhi Road cant tell whether there will be fog or not! I just prayed as I dint wish to miss the 150kmph bazooka!
The build up to the d-day were sedate. No threatening spell of fog made up the headlines and I tried hard to stay optimistic. The other trouble with fog was if it delays 2002, in all probability I was to miss the Amarkantak .
The morning, I woke up before alarm at 3.45! Before going to the mirror, I jumped up, wore my spects and looked at the heavens. Relieved I was to see a clear sky! I prayed again for a clear day ahead. Morning chores done, I locked home by 04.50 and was on my society gate 5 min later. The taxi wala duly came as appointed and we sped towards NDLS Paharganj side.
The expanse of the roads in Delhi comes to the fore at such an unearthy hour and I could only admire as we zipped through to destination. On the way my taxi-walla asked me...
“Kaun si gaadi loge Sahab?” (Which train will you take Sir?).. I was startled, not by the fact that he said me Saheb as I am still 20 something but it was like getting woken up from sleep when I was dreaming about the day as it was to unfold.
“Shatabdi” I responded not interested to reveal the further details. Again I immersed into 2002 dream.
“Kahaan ke liye?”
“Bhopal”. Again I said reluctantly.
“Arre sahib wo to bahut tez chalti hai”. “150 pe jayegi Agra tak”. He said as a matter-of-factly. Instantly as a nuclear chain reaction all my senses came to life. I felt sooo good to hear the praise of the mighty shatabdi from my cab driver. He revealed how he has seen Shatabdi rip through Ballabhgarh (from where he hails) Level Crossing. His each word of appreciation for the king fuelled my excitement and anticipation.
In the open Delhi roads it took just 15-20 min to reach outside pf1 of NDLS from my home. It was about 1 hr for the king to depart. C7 was to come just as one enters from the main gate of NDLS. No FOB, no walking. It was becoming as simple as it can get. I had Samit Da’s Atlas (for the first time) and TT for company. But I had missed something....... A Pen!!!!! Immediately bought one from the book shop in pf1.
0549 I was blessed with the first looks of THE train. The moment for which I had waited all my life was here. It was renewed love at first sight when I saw 30222 snaking in with brightly lit swanky coaches of the Linke Hoffman Bosche make in an equally brightly lit pf1 of NDLS. The loco had its markers on and that added to the setting.
The train had LED boards and the station had digital charts for W/L status. Looked impressive. Pantry Car staff had taken their positions to load in their ifs and buts for the journey ahead. And so was a not-so-heavy crowd with a fair presence of people from across the borders. “Taj bound folks” came the first thought. And I focussed back on the Shatabdi. Entered into the train with a feeling of dream coming true. And thankfully weather was clear still. I duly got my window seat. Once sit I opened the tray, took out my new Pen, atlas, TT and settled down.
Sitting there I wished the LPs luck . “C’mon boys, give me the full blast!!” This was my chance to see what Priority means on IR! Meanwhile my co-passengers were somewhere from Eastern neighbourhood. And they clicked everything from the Morning tea plate to Breakfast to what not. In front of me was a lady with her very naughty boy and an extremely cute little girl. The little girl when sat on the chair, the chair looked BIIIG.. So small she was.. .. And from NDLS her first of many questions to her mom was “Mumma Chambal kab aayegi..?”. This made me smile while people along side me chit chattied each other. I was now eagerly waiting for 0615. As soon as the watch struck the numbers, we started moving ahead with a nice jerk. 11 coaches with EOG was nothing for the mighty beast incharge ahead. As soon as we started we slowed and came to a halt. And so did all my expectations of mighty speed. It felt like all set for the movie and power off. I tried my best to remain positive and seconds in halt passed like decades. Meanwhile LKO Shat moved out from wat looked like pf9 and our halt ensured that I was to miss the parallel action. Anyways, it was something else I was looking forward to.
Nevertheless, we moved again and this time it was the real Shreeganesh of yet another magical performance by 2002. Just that this time I was on board too. The white ahead swiftly took us out of Shivaji Brdge, Tilak bridge. Saw empty rake of Samata Exp and Taj Exp in NZM COD which were to start a few hrs later. It was 06.30 and we moved swiftly through NZM. It had already witnessed some morning arrivals and looked busy as usual. The large windows made the sighting even more wonderful. By now I could safely declare to myself that there was not going to be any severe fog. As the sun emerged, the horizon went on going farther and clearer. 06.37 we were moving through Okhla and 06.46 we we were flying through Ballabhgarh. (29 kms ex NZM in 16 min, 109 kmph). (*please note that the distances are taken from erail and I dint have a GPS to substantiate it) We slowed down again at 06.55 to negotiate a SR of 20 kmph. As a result it took us 10 min from BVH to cross Asaoti at 06.57. Palwal was dispatched at 07.02 (11 kms in 5 min, 132 kmph!!!). And thus we kept rising. The ride was turning out to b what I had desired. Inspite of the SR, it was great how the train resumed its high speed run. Rundhi, Sholaka, Hodal Banchari etc all were crossed in a jiffy as we rocketed our way through to Kosi. Just after Hodal, we slowed down again till Kosi and crossed it at 07.28. We crossed Punjab Mail here which was the culprit for slow run. Once we had cleared Punjab Mail, we again went on a rampage. 41 kms till Mathura was covered in 18 min which converts to Avg speed in this section at 137 kmph!! The large windows of the Shatabdi was making the journey even more enjoyable. By 07.44 we had halted at the MTJ Pf 1 after making a grand entry. And even after such a helluva run we were delayed by 11 min!! I guess Punjab Mail and SR of 20 kmph is chiefly responsible for this.
07.46 we were out of MTJ and moved swiftly through approaching wayside stations. By 08.18 we were already in AGC city limits but again we moved pretty slowly. Picked up again at Raja ki Mandi and went through at MPS of 80 kmph at 08.25 and at 08.30 we marched into AGC pf 1. As expected the train almost got empty here. But surprisingly (for me atleast) people started filling up again.
MAS Duronto bound for NZM was there at pf 2 or 3. We had crossed BCT Raj somewhere near Kosi I guess. We were served breakfast duly before AGC and passengers boarding at AGC were served breakfast again! Nice I thought.
We started again and I said goodbye to 150 capable stretch. Although we reached AGC late but we did peaked summits in terms of speed and had a longish stretch of full throttle inbetween as well. Overall I would say I was very happy the way we negotiated the fastest stretch on IR.
0855 we crossed Jajau, 26 kms from AGC in abt 25 min and looked a marked slower than what was before AGC. 0902 we sped passed Mania at full throttle. 14 kms in 7 min means we were back in business. 0908 we had rumbled through Dhaulpur which meant we were continuing our 120 kmph blast. At 0912 we were crossing Chambal which looked absolutely serene through the large LHB windows. Less than 3 hrs after departing NDLS, we were into Chambal where the little girl in front of my seat wanted to be for so long. In these three hours she had taken a nap or two as well. And stared through the large wide windows with her eyes extra-widely opened. She looks impressed to say the least. 0922 we were into Morena. 28 kms from Dholpur in 14 min!! Which meant we were keeping pace. However globally we were 20 min delayed. We exited 2 min later and crossed Rairu at excellent speed after a slow run for couple of min. We were peaking again as we zipped through Rairu at 09.44. 09.50 we had reached near GWL washing lines and 0955 we were into GWL.
Quite a few passengers boarded the train here. Meanwhile we had slashed few min of our delay between Morena and GWL. We again sped through the majestic rock cuttings, criss crossed with our fellow track, negotiated a horse shoe and passed Dabra at 10.25. Less than 30 min for a journey of 42 kms. It was 1030 when we moved slowly through Kotra.
1105 we were into pf 1 of JHS. We were on time since GWL here and it was time to bid good bye to a terrific pair of LPs who had made my day. On pf 3 was LHB rake of GKP-LTT Exp marked NE. Exactly after an 8 min halt we bade good bye to pf 1 of JHS. Kudos to the JHS station staff for a timely despatch.
Finally at 11.45 we had the first unscheduled halt!! After more than 430 kms of run since morning had we halted somewhere. And till we had made a halt, I dint realise this!! We halted for a good 7 min however. We strated again and crossed Lalitpur at 12.20. 90 kms ex JHS in a little over 1 hr. Considering a halt of almost 7 min inbetween this was mighty impressive. By 1250 we had skipped Bina. That means another 63 kms or so in half an hour flat. (120 kmph +). We had a literal signal free fly pass in this stretch and we were probably to cover the accumulated delay. Certainly for the last 550 kms or so we were enjoying top priority.
After lunch, all my attention and early rising started taking a toll on my eyes and unwantedly I went into a sleep. I woke up sensing the train had halted. I went to the door and we had halted just after Ganj Basoda I guess. We had moved fairly ahead of the station and that was my guess looking towards the station. Something had happened as some of the train crew were busy on something. We had halted for a good 15 min and this would affect our punctuality. I couldn’t know what was the trouble but was relieved when we were up and running again. We skipped Vidisha next at 13.58 ie 40 kms in about 25 min or so meant we were back in business again.
Final leg of 53 kms we covered in 27 min (115 kmph+). To me it was the most relentless speedy run I had ever done or imagined. We entered BPL at 1425 with a delay of 20 min which was due to SR of 20 kmph, trailing Punjab Mail, 3 instances of slow runs, Halt at Matatila for 7 min and 15 min unscheduled halt at Ganj Basoda. Unitary method suggests that sometimes we did brilliantly than what we were scheduled to do and thats what made this train special.
I finally got out at BPL Pf1 and moved to pf2 for Amarkantak. From pf2 I admired the king as long as it was there and as long as I could see it after its departure.
Finally there was no fog, no major interruptions and Shatabdi had indeed lived upto its reputation. It had indeed delivered with aplomb what all I had expected and infact a bit more. I took this trip for pure railfanning spirits and hats of to the king for such a royal treatment.
It may be a routine for all the folks in making this run of 2002/1 possible and it may be nothing to other set of passengers but for a railfan it is the ultimate at present in IR. A real pride of IR and a real jewel. What does HIGH SPEED means one has to sit in and feel.
At the end of it all I was nothing but feeling stellar!!!
Thanks for patient reading. I have tried my best to report accurately but this report is coming about 2 and a half months after I had taken the trip. Kindly excuse the errors.
Saturday, January 21, 2012
Riding the GM special!!
PS: Dont worry, I was not in the GMs saloon!
But yes, GMs saloon was attached to CGSK on that fine evening. GM, WCR holding Additional charge of SECR then was on an inspection trip to SECR. On the day, he was inspecting Pendra Road (Between BSP and KTE). His inspection got over, his saloon was attached to the rear of our Chhattisgarh Sampark Kranti Express till Katni Murwara. So, I am encouraged to call our CGSK as GM special from Pendra Road to KTE! (I am not aware if this practice is prevalent in IR or not but I take the cue from the movie Airforce one.. wherein the US Prez in the movie makes a dramatic escape out of his actual Air force one and the plane in which he was received, Hercules C130 it was I guess, transmitted a message of changing its flight code from current to Air force one!)
Coming back, to make the run special and to add to the might of the GM special we had the white beauty of GZB with single dark red ribbon at the helm which superbly supplemented the all greens it got, effortlessly negotiating gradients, curves and snaking with the 23 coach load on the moonlit night. Needless to say with the GM riding the train, any interruptions, delays in the run were out of question..
As far as I remember correctly we had a timely departure from BSP. Me along with my brother and mom were at A1 near the rear end of the train. I had no idea that a ride with the GMs saloon was in store ahead. Everything was as usual with the negotiating of Khongsara Khodri ghats. Pendra Road is the first stoppage for CGSK after BSP. When Pendra Road arrived, I was surprised when we were admitted in pf2. Since passenger traffic is not that heavy in this single line stretch, normally up and down express trains are usually admitted in pf1. In all my runs through Pendra I have noticed my Utkal/CGSK being admitted in pf1 in both directions. The halt in pf2 of pendra went on and on. Curious I went to the door to find almost every head on the pf looking towards the rear of the train. Some shunting activity was going on. On enquiry, the attendant of our coach revealed that GMs saloon is being attached. Since the platform was not long for CGSK to accomodate completely, it ended just after our coach. All the UR passengers had to run beyond the pf to get in. This was one of the drawbacks of having a saloon attached. Had we got pf1, entire rake would have got in. Perhaps GM was more important for authorities than passengers!
As shunting was involved, the halt at Pendra Road was pretty long. Being winter days, it started getting dark by the time we were leaving Pendra. Meanwhile, some 3-4 railway personnel got into our bay. As i shared the bay I could hear some railway gossiping. I tell you, as a railfan I enjoyed it a lot! :-) Just as we were about to start, one of them chatted on his cellphone. As he was talking I could make out one of their colleagues was in the loco and he was chatting. With GMs saloon attached, are some senior officials also deployed in the loco? He asked jokingly "kitni der mein pahunchaoge katni GM sahab ko?" (How much time it will take for GM sir to reach Katni?) I was framing the thoughts of live coverage from that cab but alas that was not to be. Shunting completed, it was time for the Ghazi warrior to gallop ahead. We moved ahead. I am sure the entire Pendra staff would have sighed a breath of relief having sent off the GM!
One of them started reading TOI on his phone and shared the news item of WR removing PSRs that had appeared in the paper. All of them expressed surprise with the print media keeping track of PSR removal! I asked one of them sitting next to me about the MPS of the stretch. He answered "90". Then I asked if P4/P7 really made any improvement over the M4s in this stretch? He said "yes". He said WAM4 struggles with the CGSK load and a P4/P7 is much better. (I thought with all of IRFCA around, he would have made equal number of frnz and enemies with this fact!) Their gossiping continued with the peculiar observations made during the inspection. While I could feel that outside the CGSK was piercing the heartland at MPS. Whenever we had an SR, P7 would conjure up a magic in picking up. In the single line stretch till Anuppur, no loop line crossings, no slowdowns, no silly business. It was plane MPS riding!
We halted punctually at APR. From the door I could notice some activity near the saloon. From Anuppur, it was double line and P7 started rocking again. Amlai, Burhar were rocketed past in a flash and we sped towards our next halt Shahdol. At SDL the railway folks got down. Again the halt was precise and we moved ahead.
After SDL, the route is everything but straight. I headed to the door. The cool blast of wind was a touch discomforting but I didnt want to miss the stupendous night action. And boy I wasnt disappointed either. One of my best doorplating experiences! We flied past the landscape, obliging the greens. The panto spark and station tubelights which we were crossing in a flurry made the setting even more thrilling. Nowrozabad, Umaria (the station from which the tropic of cancer passes) too were dispatched in a flurry.
It seemed that we would reach KTE well before time inspite of the elaborate proceedings we had witnessed at Pendra Road. The moments of the entire trip was the superbly, terrific non stop MPS run from Umaria to Katni. The Rupaund skip being the most fascinating. This station is on the curve. The train literally swayed as it negotiated the curve. Suddenly the tublights appeared out of the curve and went flashing by in a jiffy. In the process posing a brilliant display of lighting on the rake of the train. Peeping out of the door, I could say the experience was seriously fantastic!
Now came the critical moment. I was doing head and tail in my mind wether we would get a smooth entry into KMZ (Katni Murwara), without an irritating red in the NKJ yard courtsey us being the GM special or will the customary halt-before-you-go reception prevail. I had thought only if we get a perfect non stop entry into KMZ, I will believe the repute of GM! (A railfan's mind please..
) My heartbeats started increasing as we were nearing NKJ. Soon the lights started appearing. I could not see the signals ahead, but we had slowed down a touch. We were not galloping now. My heart started sinking as I could sense the speed decreasing even further through the NKJ yard. I was almost cursing KMZ for not respecting their GM when I almost yelled in jubilation as I could see the ramp of KMZ! Which meant we had indeed crossed the KMZ yard without stopping although slowpaced but indeed a miracle nonetheless! But still I wanted completely unhindered entry into KMZ for the perfect reception and so we were granted! In royal style we were at 0 kmph at SDL pf and then we were 0 kmph again only at KMZ! No stopping in between. Now that was a truly GM special class run! Fast, non stop, all greens and mighty! The P7 ahead indeed made the experience even more enriching!
We shelled our GM special tag at KMZ with the shunter taking away the saloon to KTE. Now we were again just another train on the vast IR expanse! All the might of the dusk was squared up in the morning when we were held up before NZM countless times for overtakes! AP, KK, BCT Raj almost everyone overtook us at will!
But yes, GMs saloon was attached to CGSK on that fine evening. GM, WCR holding Additional charge of SECR then was on an inspection trip to SECR. On the day, he was inspecting Pendra Road (Between BSP and KTE). His inspection got over, his saloon was attached to the rear of our Chhattisgarh Sampark Kranti Express till Katni Murwara. So, I am encouraged to call our CGSK as GM special from Pendra Road to KTE! (I am not aware if this practice is prevalent in IR or not but I take the cue from the movie Airforce one.. wherein the US Prez in the movie makes a dramatic escape out of his actual Air force one and the plane in which he was received, Hercules C130 it was I guess, transmitted a message of changing its flight code from current to Air force one!)
Coming back, to make the run special and to add to the might of the GM special we had the white beauty of GZB with single dark red ribbon at the helm which superbly supplemented the all greens it got, effortlessly negotiating gradients, curves and snaking with the 23 coach load on the moonlit night. Needless to say with the GM riding the train, any interruptions, delays in the run were out of question..
As far as I remember correctly we had a timely departure from BSP. Me along with my brother and mom were at A1 near the rear end of the train. I had no idea that a ride with the GMs saloon was in store ahead. Everything was as usual with the negotiating of Khongsara Khodri ghats. Pendra Road is the first stoppage for CGSK after BSP. When Pendra Road arrived, I was surprised when we were admitted in pf2. Since passenger traffic is not that heavy in this single line stretch, normally up and down express trains are usually admitted in pf1. In all my runs through Pendra I have noticed my Utkal/CGSK being admitted in pf1 in both directions. The halt in pf2 of pendra went on and on. Curious I went to the door to find almost every head on the pf looking towards the rear of the train. Some shunting activity was going on. On enquiry, the attendant of our coach revealed that GMs saloon is being attached. Since the platform was not long for CGSK to accomodate completely, it ended just after our coach. All the UR passengers had to run beyond the pf to get in. This was one of the drawbacks of having a saloon attached. Had we got pf1, entire rake would have got in. Perhaps GM was more important for authorities than passengers!
As shunting was involved, the halt at Pendra Road was pretty long. Being winter days, it started getting dark by the time we were leaving Pendra. Meanwhile, some 3-4 railway personnel got into our bay. As i shared the bay I could hear some railway gossiping. I tell you, as a railfan I enjoyed it a lot! :-) Just as we were about to start, one of them chatted on his cellphone. As he was talking I could make out one of their colleagues was in the loco and he was chatting. With GMs saloon attached, are some senior officials also deployed in the loco? He asked jokingly "kitni der mein pahunchaoge katni GM sahab ko?" (How much time it will take for GM sir to reach Katni?) I was framing the thoughts of live coverage from that cab but alas that was not to be. Shunting completed, it was time for the Ghazi warrior to gallop ahead. We moved ahead. I am sure the entire Pendra staff would have sighed a breath of relief having sent off the GM!
One of them started reading TOI on his phone and shared the news item of WR removing PSRs that had appeared in the paper. All of them expressed surprise with the print media keeping track of PSR removal! I asked one of them sitting next to me about the MPS of the stretch. He answered "90". Then I asked if P4/P7 really made any improvement over the M4s in this stretch? He said "yes". He said WAM4 struggles with the CGSK load and a P4/P7 is much better. (I thought with all of IRFCA around, he would have made equal number of frnz and enemies with this fact!) Their gossiping continued with the peculiar observations made during the inspection. While I could feel that outside the CGSK was piercing the heartland at MPS. Whenever we had an SR, P7 would conjure up a magic in picking up. In the single line stretch till Anuppur, no loop line crossings, no slowdowns, no silly business. It was plane MPS riding!
We halted punctually at APR. From the door I could notice some activity near the saloon. From Anuppur, it was double line and P7 started rocking again. Amlai, Burhar were rocketed past in a flash and we sped towards our next halt Shahdol. At SDL the railway folks got down. Again the halt was precise and we moved ahead.
After SDL, the route is everything but straight. I headed to the door. The cool blast of wind was a touch discomforting but I didnt want to miss the stupendous night action. And boy I wasnt disappointed either. One of my best doorplating experiences! We flied past the landscape, obliging the greens. The panto spark and station tubelights which we were crossing in a flurry made the setting even more thrilling. Nowrozabad, Umaria (the station from which the tropic of cancer passes) too were dispatched in a flurry.
It seemed that we would reach KTE well before time inspite of the elaborate proceedings we had witnessed at Pendra Road. The moments of the entire trip was the superbly, terrific non stop MPS run from Umaria to Katni. The Rupaund skip being the most fascinating. This station is on the curve. The train literally swayed as it negotiated the curve. Suddenly the tublights appeared out of the curve and went flashing by in a jiffy. In the process posing a brilliant display of lighting on the rake of the train. Peeping out of the door, I could say the experience was seriously fantastic!
Now came the critical moment. I was doing head and tail in my mind wether we would get a smooth entry into KMZ (Katni Murwara), without an irritating red in the NKJ yard courtsey us being the GM special or will the customary halt-before-you-go reception prevail. I had thought only if we get a perfect non stop entry into KMZ, I will believe the repute of GM! (A railfan's mind please..
) My heartbeats started increasing as we were nearing NKJ. Soon the lights started appearing. I could not see the signals ahead, but we had slowed down a touch. We were not galloping now. My heart started sinking as I could sense the speed decreasing even further through the NKJ yard. I was almost cursing KMZ for not respecting their GM when I almost yelled in jubilation as I could see the ramp of KMZ! Which meant we had indeed crossed the KMZ yard without stopping although slowpaced but indeed a miracle nonetheless! But still I wanted completely unhindered entry into KMZ for the perfect reception and so we were granted! In royal style we were at 0 kmph at SDL pf and then we were 0 kmph again only at KMZ! No stopping in between. Now that was a truly GM special class run! Fast, non stop, all greens and mighty! The P7 ahead indeed made the experience even more enriching! We shelled our GM special tag at KMZ with the shunter taking away the saloon to KTE. Now we were again just another train on the vast IR expanse! All the might of the dusk was squared up in the morning when we were held up before NZM countless times for overtakes! AP, KK, BCT Raj almost everyone overtook us at will!
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
NZM-NGP-BSP, KSK, Shivnath
I have been wishing to travel by this connection from NZM to BSP. Many reasons, first being I had never been to any other SK besides CGSK, second being I had never seen the JHS-BPL section in broad daylight, third I wanted to enjoy day time non stop run of SK. NZM-NGP with two commercial halts amply justified this wish.
As this was a hurriedly planned trip no time for any booking or anything. It was decided on Fri night that I have to leave for BSP on Sat. I first thought of Samta till R and then the first availabe train. But I settled for KSK-Shivnath link confident that even if I miss Shivnath, I can atleast catch Samta from NGP till R and proceed thereafter.
0530 on Sat reached NZM. Before this please allow me to describe Delhi so early in the morning. It had rained fully for the last two days and hence it mean a fresh surroundings. I strated from m place at Delhi Cantt to NZM. Barely managed to get an auto and he made full use of this opportnity for himself and charged 140 Rs! Left with no other auto in sight I obliged and w went through the green turned greener cantonment area.. through to Daula Kuan and it was jammed!! 5 in the morning is no time for a traffic jam but still Dhaula Kuan was jammed!! Lots of trucks n the closed left cloverleaf for Ring Road towards Motibagh was the reason. Finally the auto moved out and into the NDMC area. What a scene and what a run. Terrefic, the Delhi roads looked and felt awesome. The roundabouts the sodium lights all were really captivating.
Well finally touched into NZM at 0540 or so. Went to the "Current Reservation Counter" at pf 1 (old entrance, non-comesum one) and asked for accomodation in KSK. He happily gave me a berth without charging anything extra not even the Tatkal fare!! My name was listed in a saperate chart. The train was quite empty but I was not aware that such a facility exists, I just went for askance.
Then I went to UTS counter (near Comesum) to ask for a NGP-BSP ticket but I was denied!! I thought its possible to get a ticke from anwhere to anywhere under UTS. Anyways went in to catch the arivals. Prominently SBC Raj came in at Pf3 with LGD-P4 and few min later GT with a LGD P4!! (ED??) Thirukkural Exp to CAPE left with AJJ WAP1 and my KSK was to be hauled by AJJ WAM4..
I settled in a near empty train expecting a decent non stop run. We started on time and halted right on top of THE NALLAH!! Pillars are coming over it any idea what are they for? We moved after a good 10 min and stopped again at Ballabhgarh. Till then it was a decent run. After that we moved swiftly out of Palwal and other wayside stations. We crossed MTJ at a good speed (more than 20kmph), good speed coz CGSK crosses painfully slow and doesnt gives the impression of SKIPPING the station..:-) AK Raj was on pf2, i missed its loco but SAIL ads were prominently seen!!
Again a decent non stop run till AGC where we crawled. Met Kerela bound for NDLS with LGD P4! Where are all EDs gone?? Again I was wondering where it got this? ERS?
Chambal was crossed at a good speed and we went through GWL uninterrupted. Menawhile PC guys served Egg Cury Paratha for 50 Rs!! Saw beautiful curves which I had earlier seen only in moonlight. Crossed Punjab Mail somewhere led by a GZB P1 (guesing from the livery). Datia came and went. And so did other stations. We reached JHS on time at pf2. Chhattigarh Exp bound for ASR was leaving from Pf5 and APSK bound for NZM was entering Pf3. Chhattisgarh with a GZB P4 and APSK with a LGD P4. Crew change means I cud enjoy ever delicious Shreekhand. AJJ Wammie was doing well with (half empty) 23 coach load. Heap of HCPVs.
The station that interested me most was Babina. We halted there for a good 10 min and by the people standing around in the pf I could guess it has got a big cantonement area. An almost exclusive military siding confirmed this. Green liveried military train was standing there. Punjab mail (trailing us) and Jhelum (to NZM)
were announced. We crossed Lalitpur non stop which came later than I expected.
We proceded on our way to BINA and I could see the under construction Bina refinery at a distance on Right side. Crossed Bina with a halt and through the small ghats to BPL. I was expecting BPL Shat for NDLS in full speed when I saw a few greens on the other trck. But I was disappointed to see it standing midway!! The loco staff were down probably inspecting something.
We were 20 min late into BPL's pf 1. After BPL the run which I always enjoy the most. Ghats, green and curvy. Narmada, Hoshangabad all really make a mesmerising evening. Budhni Ghats are a treat always and so is Maramjhiri-Dharakho h. Before the latter we halted into ET. And as we were moving in Amarkantak to Durg (via KTE) was moving towards KTE. ET ELS was crowded with many locos. But distinct was one shining GZB beauty. I forgot its road number but it was shining and GZB for sure.
Encountered GT just before entering Hoshangabad thankfully with a ED P4 this time. Dusk and night settled in as I plugged in my MP3 player. We looked on course for a timely NGP arrival and I was confident of catching Shivnath. We pulled into NGP within 5-10 min of scheduled Arrival time. Aha good old NGP. A nice place to be always. The cute little NG train was ready for departure. Passengers were all set. First time I saw an NG train at night and it was a pretty sight indeed.
I moved to the UT counters for a ticket upto BSP. I asked a TTE at gate if I could find the staff for Shivnath (I hoped that a lot of berths d be empty). But it was not to be! The guy directed me to the Duty room of TTEs and the TTE there told me the train is packed! I asked him if any chance for a berth enroute. He asked me to check after Kamptee. As soon as I said OK he asked to give a fine amount 313 Rs. (SL price is 187 Rs around I guess). I asked what for and he replied I will be travelling SL with a UR ticket. I said I have not even stepped in the train!! He got busy with another passenger and I managed to sneak out. I didnt wish to get involved with him coz if UR is crowded I will have to ask for an SL once again.
So I thought let the train arrive and see the UR condition. If its manageable I will go in it otherwise go to TTE once again. The train arrived late. (It comes in as 2855 BSP-NGP i/c and leaves as Shivnath). The transition of crowd was noteworthy. like DMRC's Rajeev Chowk!! But strangely once the 2855 folks cleared the place the UR looked relatively empty!! I managed to get a window side seat although I entered the coach last! We moved out well after our scheduled departure time. Halted at Itwari.. (pf6??) I slept after that only to be awake at G and later Durg. But the passengers only alighted and noone boarded the train.
I doubt if even SL was this much empty!! Reached BSP around 45 min late. Loco was BIA Wam 4.
This was one of the trips taken at a shortest notice
As this was a hurriedly planned trip no time for any booking or anything. It was decided on Fri night that I have to leave for BSP on Sat. I first thought of Samta till R and then the first availabe train. But I settled for KSK-Shivnath link confident that even if I miss Shivnath, I can atleast catch Samta from NGP till R and proceed thereafter.
0530 on Sat reached NZM. Before this please allow me to describe Delhi so early in the morning. It had rained fully for the last two days and hence it mean a fresh surroundings. I strated from m place at Delhi Cantt to NZM. Barely managed to get an auto and he made full use of this opportnity for himself and charged 140 Rs! Left with no other auto in sight I obliged and w went through the green turned greener cantonment area.. through to Daula Kuan and it was jammed!! 5 in the morning is no time for a traffic jam but still Dhaula Kuan was jammed!! Lots of trucks n the closed left cloverleaf for Ring Road towards Motibagh was the reason. Finally the auto moved out and into the NDMC area. What a scene and what a run. Terrefic, the Delhi roads looked and felt awesome. The roundabouts the sodium lights all were really captivating.
Well finally touched into NZM at 0540 or so. Went to the "Current Reservation Counter" at pf 1 (old entrance, non-comesum one) and asked for accomodation in KSK. He happily gave me a berth without charging anything extra not even the Tatkal fare!! My name was listed in a saperate chart. The train was quite empty but I was not aware that such a facility exists, I just went for askance.
Then I went to UTS counter (near Comesum) to ask for a NGP-BSP ticket but I was denied!! I thought its possible to get a ticke from anwhere to anywhere under UTS. Anyways went in to catch the arivals. Prominently SBC Raj came in at Pf3 with LGD-P4 and few min later GT with a LGD P4!! (ED??) Thirukkural Exp to CAPE left with AJJ WAP1 and my KSK was to be hauled by AJJ WAM4..
I settled in a near empty train expecting a decent non stop run. We started on time and halted right on top of THE NALLAH!! Pillars are coming over it any idea what are they for? We moved after a good 10 min and stopped again at Ballabhgarh. Till then it was a decent run. After that we moved swiftly out of Palwal and other wayside stations. We crossed MTJ at a good speed (more than 20kmph), good speed coz CGSK crosses painfully slow and doesnt gives the impression of SKIPPING the station..:-) AK Raj was on pf2, i missed its loco but SAIL ads were prominently seen!!
Again a decent non stop run till AGC where we crawled. Met Kerela bound for NDLS with LGD P4! Where are all EDs gone?? Again I was wondering where it got this? ERS?
Chambal was crossed at a good speed and we went through GWL uninterrupted. Menawhile PC guys served Egg Cury Paratha for 50 Rs!! Saw beautiful curves which I had earlier seen only in moonlight. Crossed Punjab Mail somewhere led by a GZB P1 (guesing from the livery). Datia came and went. And so did other stations. We reached JHS on time at pf2. Chhattigarh Exp bound for ASR was leaving from Pf5 and APSK bound for NZM was entering Pf3. Chhattisgarh with a GZB P4 and APSK with a LGD P4. Crew change means I cud enjoy ever delicious Shreekhand. AJJ Wammie was doing well with (half empty) 23 coach load. Heap of HCPVs.
The station that interested me most was Babina. We halted there for a good 10 min and by the people standing around in the pf I could guess it has got a big cantonement area. An almost exclusive military siding confirmed this. Green liveried military train was standing there. Punjab mail (trailing us) and Jhelum (to NZM)
were announced. We crossed Lalitpur non stop which came later than I expected.
We proceded on our way to BINA and I could see the under construction Bina refinery at a distance on Right side. Crossed Bina with a halt and through the small ghats to BPL. I was expecting BPL Shat for NDLS in full speed when I saw a few greens on the other trck. But I was disappointed to see it standing midway!! The loco staff were down probably inspecting something.
We were 20 min late into BPL's pf 1. After BPL the run which I always enjoy the most. Ghats, green and curvy. Narmada, Hoshangabad all really make a mesmerising evening. Budhni Ghats are a treat always and so is Maramjhiri-Dharakho h. Before the latter we halted into ET. And as we were moving in Amarkantak to Durg (via KTE) was moving towards KTE. ET ELS was crowded with many locos. But distinct was one shining GZB beauty. I forgot its road number but it was shining and GZB for sure.
Encountered GT just before entering Hoshangabad thankfully with a ED P4 this time. Dusk and night settled in as I plugged in my MP3 player. We looked on course for a timely NGP arrival and I was confident of catching Shivnath. We pulled into NGP within 5-10 min of scheduled Arrival time. Aha good old NGP. A nice place to be always. The cute little NG train was ready for departure. Passengers were all set. First time I saw an NG train at night and it was a pretty sight indeed.
I moved to the UT counters for a ticket upto BSP. I asked a TTE at gate if I could find the staff for Shivnath (I hoped that a lot of berths d be empty). But it was not to be! The guy directed me to the Duty room of TTEs and the TTE there told me the train is packed! I asked him if any chance for a berth enroute. He asked me to check after Kamptee. As soon as I said OK he asked to give a fine amount 313 Rs. (SL price is 187 Rs around I guess). I asked what for and he replied I will be travelling SL with a UR ticket. I said I have not even stepped in the train!! He got busy with another passenger and I managed to sneak out. I didnt wish to get involved with him coz if UR is crowded I will have to ask for an SL once again.
So I thought let the train arrive and see the UR condition. If its manageable I will go in it otherwise go to TTE once again. The train arrived late. (It comes in as 2855 BSP-NGP i/c and leaves as Shivnath). The transition of crowd was noteworthy. like DMRC's Rajeev Chowk!! But strangely once the 2855 folks cleared the place the UR looked relatively empty!! I managed to get a window side seat although I entered the coach last! We moved out well after our scheduled departure time. Halted at Itwari.. (pf6??) I slept after that only to be awake at G and later Durg. But the passengers only alighted and noone boarded the train.
I doubt if even SL was this much empty!! Reached BSP around 45 min late. Loco was BIA Wam 4.
This was one of the trips taken at a shortest notice
NZM-NGP-BSP, KSK, Shivnath
I have been wishing to travel by this connection from NZM to BSP. Many reasons, first being I had never been to any other SK besides CGSK, second being I had never seen the JHS-BPL section in broad daylight, third I wanted to enjoy day time non stop run of SK. NZM-NGP with two commercial halts amply justified this wish.
As this was a hurriedly planned trip no time for any booking or anything. It was decided on Fri night that I have to leave for BSP on Sat. I first thought of Samta till R and then the first availabe train. But I settled for KSK-Shivnath link confident that even if I miss Shivnath, I can atleast catch Samta from NGP till R and proceed thereafter.
0530 on Sat reached NZM. Before this please allow me to describe Delhi so early in the morning. It had rained fully for the last two days and hence it mean a fresh surroundings. I strated from m place at Delhi Cantt to NZM. Barely managed to get an auto and he made full use of this opportnity for himself and charged 140 Rs! Left with no other auto in sight I obliged and w went through the green turned greener cantonment area.. through to Daula Kuan and it was jammed!! 5 in the morning is no time for a traffic jam but still Dhaula Kuan was jammed!! Lots of trucks n the closed left cloverleaf for Ring Road towards Motibagh was the reason. Finally the auto moved out and into the NDMC area. What a scene and what a run. Terrefic, the Delhi roads looked and felt awesome. The roundabouts the sodium lights all were really captivating.
Well finally touched into NZM at 0540 or so. Went to the "Current Reservation Counter" at pf 1 (old entrance, non-comesum one) and asked for accomodation in KSK. He happily gave me a berth without charging anything extra not even the Tatkal fare!! My name was listed in a saperate chart. The train was quite empty but I was not aware that such a facility exists, I just went for askance.
Then I went to UTS counter (near Comesum) to ask for a NGP-BSP ticket but I was denied!! I thought its possible to get a ticke from anwhere to anywhere under UTS. Anyways went in to catch the arivals. Prominently SBC Raj came in at Pf3 with LGD-P4 and few min later GT with a LGD P4!! (ED??) Thirukkural Exp to CAPE left with AJJ WAP1 and my KSK was to be hauled by AJJ WAM4..
I settled in a near empty train expecting a decent non stop run. We started on time and halted right on top of THE NALLAH!! Pillars are coming over it any idea what are they for? We moved after a good 10 min and stopped again at Ballabhgarh. Till then it was a decent run. After that we moved swiftly out of Palwal and other wayside stations. We crossed MTJ at a good speed (more than 20kmph), good speed coz CGSK crosses painfully slow and doesnt gives the impression of SKIPPING the station..:-) AK Raj was on pf2, i missed its loco but SAIL ads were prominently seen!!
Again a decent non stop run till AGC where we crawled. Met Kerela bound for NDLS with LGD P4! Where are all EDs gone?? Again I was wondering where it got this? ERS?
Chambal was crossed at a good speed and we went through GWL uninterrupted. Menawhile PC guys served Egg Cury Paratha for 50 Rs!! Saw beautiful curves which I had earlier seen only in moonlight. Crossed Punjab Mail somewhere led by a GZB P1 (guesing from the livery). Datia came and went. And so did other stations. We reached JHS on time at pf2. Chhattigarh Exp bound for ASR was leaving from Pf5 and APSK bound for NZM was entering Pf3. Chhattisgarh with a GZB P4 and APSK with a LGD P4. Crew change means I cud enjoy ever delicious Shreekhand. AJJ Wammie was doing well with (half empty) 23 coach load. Heap of HCPVs.
The station that interested me most was Babina. We halted there for a good 10 min and by the people standing around in the pf I could guess it has got a big cantonement area. An almost exclusive military siding confirmed this. Green liveried military train was standing there. Punjab mail (trailing us) and Jhelum (to NZM)
were announced. We crossed Lalitpur non stop which came later than I expected.
We proceded on our way to BINA and I could see the under construction Bina refinery at a distance on Right side. Crossed Bina with a halt and through the small ghats to BPL. I was expecting BPL Shat for NDLS in full speed when I saw a few greens on the other trck. But I was disappointed to see it standing midway!! The loco staff were down probably inspecting something.
We were 20 min late into BPL's pf 1. After BPL the run which I always enjoy the most. Ghats, green and curvy. Narmada, Hoshangabad all really make a mesmerising evening. Budhni Ghats are a treat always and so is Maramjhiri-Dharakho h. Before the latter we halted into ET. And as we were moving in Amarkantak to Durg (via KTE) was moving towards KTE. ET ELS was crowded with many locos. But distinct was one shining GZB beauty. I forgot its road number but it was shining and GZB for sure.
Encountered GT just before entering Hoshangabad thankfully with a ED P4 this time. Dusk and night settled in as I plugged in my MP3 player. We looked on course for a timely NGP arrival and I was confident of catching Shivnath. We pulled into NGP within 5-10 min of scheduled Arrival time. Aha good old NGP. A nice place to be always. The cute little NG train was ready for departure. Passengers were all set. First time I saw an NG train at night and it was a pretty sight indeed.
I moved to the UT counters for a ticket upto BSP. I asked a TTE at gate if I could find the staff for Shivnath (I hoped that a lot of berths d be empty). But it was not to be! The guy directed me to the Duty room of TTEs and the TTE there told me the train is packed! I asked him if any chance for a berth enroute. He asked me to check after Kamptee. As soon as I said OK he asked to give a fine amount 313 Rs. (SL price is 187 Rs around I guess). I asked what for and he replied I will be travelling SL with a UR ticket. I said I have not even stepped in the train!! He got busy with another passenger and I managed to sneak out. I didnt wish to get involved with him coz if UR is crowded I will have to ask for an SL once again.
So I thought let the train arrive and see the UR condition. If its manageable I will go in it otherwise go to TTE once again. The train arrived late. (It comes in as 2855 BSP-NGP i/c and leaves as Shivnath). The transition of crowd was noteworthy. like DMRC's Rajeev Chowk!! But strangely once the 2855 folks cleared the place the UR looked relatively empty!! I managed to get a window side seat although I entered the coach last! We moved out well after our scheduled departure time. Halted at Itwari.. (pf6??) I slept after that only to be awake at G and later Durg. But the passengers only alighted and noone boarded the train.
I doubt if even SL was this much empty!! Reached BSP around 45 min late. Loco was BIA Wam 4.
This was one of the trips taken at a shortest notice
As this was a hurriedly planned trip no time for any booking or anything. It was decided on Fri night that I have to leave for BSP on Sat. I first thought of Samta till R and then the first availabe train. But I settled for KSK-Shivnath link confident that even if I miss Shivnath, I can atleast catch Samta from NGP till R and proceed thereafter.
0530 on Sat reached NZM. Before this please allow me to describe Delhi so early in the morning. It had rained fully for the last two days and hence it mean a fresh surroundings. I strated from m place at Delhi Cantt to NZM. Barely managed to get an auto and he made full use of this opportnity for himself and charged 140 Rs! Left with no other auto in sight I obliged and w went through the green turned greener cantonment area.. through to Daula Kuan and it was jammed!! 5 in the morning is no time for a traffic jam but still Dhaula Kuan was jammed!! Lots of trucks n the closed left cloverleaf for Ring Road towards Motibagh was the reason. Finally the auto moved out and into the NDMC area. What a scene and what a run. Terrefic, the Delhi roads looked and felt awesome. The roundabouts the sodium lights all were really captivating.
Well finally touched into NZM at 0540 or so. Went to the "Current Reservation Counter" at pf 1 (old entrance, non-comesum one) and asked for accomodation in KSK. He happily gave me a berth without charging anything extra not even the Tatkal fare!! My name was listed in a saperate chart. The train was quite empty but I was not aware that such a facility exists, I just went for askance.
Then I went to UTS counter (near Comesum) to ask for a NGP-BSP ticket but I was denied!! I thought its possible to get a ticke from anwhere to anywhere under UTS. Anyways went in to catch the arivals. Prominently SBC Raj came in at Pf3 with LGD-P4 and few min later GT with a LGD P4!! (ED??) Thirukkural Exp to CAPE left with AJJ WAP1 and my KSK was to be hauled by AJJ WAM4..
I settled in a near empty train expecting a decent non stop run. We started on time and halted right on top of THE NALLAH!! Pillars are coming over it any idea what are they for? We moved after a good 10 min and stopped again at Ballabhgarh. Till then it was a decent run. After that we moved swiftly out of Palwal and other wayside stations. We crossed MTJ at a good speed (more than 20kmph), good speed coz CGSK crosses painfully slow and doesnt gives the impression of SKIPPING the station..:-) AK Raj was on pf2, i missed its loco but SAIL ads were prominently seen!!
Again a decent non stop run till AGC where we crawled. Met Kerela bound for NDLS with LGD P4! Where are all EDs gone?? Again I was wondering where it got this? ERS?
Chambal was crossed at a good speed and we went through GWL uninterrupted. Menawhile PC guys served Egg Cury Paratha for 50 Rs!! Saw beautiful curves which I had earlier seen only in moonlight. Crossed Punjab Mail somewhere led by a GZB P1 (guesing from the livery). Datia came and went. And so did other stations. We reached JHS on time at pf2. Chhattigarh Exp bound for ASR was leaving from Pf5 and APSK bound for NZM was entering Pf3. Chhattisgarh with a GZB P4 and APSK with a LGD P4. Crew change means I cud enjoy ever delicious Shreekhand. AJJ Wammie was doing well with (half empty) 23 coach load. Heap of HCPVs.
The station that interested me most was Babina. We halted there for a good 10 min and by the people standing around in the pf I could guess it has got a big cantonement area. An almost exclusive military siding confirmed this. Green liveried military train was standing there. Punjab mail (trailing us) and Jhelum (to NZM)
were announced. We crossed Lalitpur non stop which came later than I expected.
We proceded on our way to BINA and I could see the under construction Bina refinery at a distance on Right side. Crossed Bina with a halt and through the small ghats to BPL. I was expecting BPL Shat for NDLS in full speed when I saw a few greens on the other trck. But I was disappointed to see it standing midway!! The loco staff were down probably inspecting something.
We were 20 min late into BPL's pf 1. After BPL the run which I always enjoy the most. Ghats, green and curvy. Narmada, Hoshangabad all really make a mesmerising evening. Budhni Ghats are a treat always and so is Maramjhiri-Dharakho h. Before the latter we halted into ET. And as we were moving in Amarkantak to Durg (via KTE) was moving towards KTE. ET ELS was crowded with many locos. But distinct was one shining GZB beauty. I forgot its road number but it was shining and GZB for sure.
Encountered GT just before entering Hoshangabad thankfully with a ED P4 this time. Dusk and night settled in as I plugged in my MP3 player. We looked on course for a timely NGP arrival and I was confident of catching Shivnath. We pulled into NGP within 5-10 min of scheduled Arrival time. Aha good old NGP. A nice place to be always. The cute little NG train was ready for departure. Passengers were all set. First time I saw an NG train at night and it was a pretty sight indeed.
I moved to the UT counters for a ticket upto BSP. I asked a TTE at gate if I could find the staff for Shivnath (I hoped that a lot of berths d be empty). But it was not to be! The guy directed me to the Duty room of TTEs and the TTE there told me the train is packed! I asked him if any chance for a berth enroute. He asked me to check after Kamptee. As soon as I said OK he asked to give a fine amount 313 Rs. (SL price is 187 Rs around I guess). I asked what for and he replied I will be travelling SL with a UR ticket. I said I have not even stepped in the train!! He got busy with another passenger and I managed to sneak out. I didnt wish to get involved with him coz if UR is crowded I will have to ask for an SL once again.
So I thought let the train arrive and see the UR condition. If its manageable I will go in it otherwise go to TTE once again. The train arrived late. (It comes in as 2855 BSP-NGP i/c and leaves as Shivnath). The transition of crowd was noteworthy. like DMRC's Rajeev Chowk!! But strangely once the 2855 folks cleared the place the UR looked relatively empty!! I managed to get a window side seat although I entered the coach last! We moved out well after our scheduled departure time. Halted at Itwari.. (pf6??) I slept after that only to be awake at G and later Durg. But the passengers only alighted and noone boarded the train.
I doubt if even SL was this much empty!! Reached BSP around 45 min late. Loco was BIA Wam 4.
This was one of the trips taken at a shortest notice
Sunday, August 16, 2009
NZM-BSP in Gondwana Exp, june 09
It has been a long time I have posted something in irfca. Last post was perhaps in the Lalu era. Somehow the railfanning took a loop line and couldnt get a proceed from there. Now finally it seems that the "clear" has been given and the notches are on the way up.
I had to do a NZM-BSP-NDLS round trip sometime in the second week of june. As the student life is over and so is the training, the professional life is demanding tight schedules. So much so that I was tempted to take a flight, something which I have not done till now. But somewhere deep down the railfan prevails... which tempted me to take the Great Indian Railway once again.So as it turned out to be, I had work in office till 1230 in Delhi on Thursday and had to reach Raipur rather 100 kms away from Raipur as soon as possible on Friday for a family function. Options avalable Rajdhani at 2040 from NDLS or Gondwana at 1530 hrs from NZM. I decided for the latter.
Due to last minute programme I managed a sleeper class tatkal confirmed ticket in an otherwise packed train. The ticket indicated Side Lower.I was excited. But the June heat was really threatening. It was literally boiling hot inside the comprtment as the rake moved in pf 4 of NZM. The honours went to a BSL wammie. We started on time and picked up decent speeds till outskirts of FBD. But the run was not smooth. It was marred by some slowing down and even halt. Meanwhile the sun baked the rake relentlessly and was in no mood of mercy. Just as we were about to enter Palwal we came to a grinding halt. But surprsingly the clouds made their presence felt and first relief from the heat. But sooner I realised that its almost 20 min now and my sole purpose o taking this train was to reach Raipur on time! ! The halt stretched to 40 min still no sign of any chance of moving ahead. Meanwhile TVC Rajdhani went towards NZM. This brought a sense of relief that at least section ahead is clear. But why on earth were we not moving?? I thought of a loco failure. By now all my thoughts of the train reaching Raipur in time had evaporated. Since I was traveling alone I decided against leaving my luggage unattended and walking to the loco.
Evening was setting in and I had a mixed feeling of excitement and frustration. Excitement coz it was now almost certain that we will be overtaken by both the Mumbai bound Rajdhanis and frustration coz it meant more delay!! Anyways I kept my fingers crossed and hoped for the train to move ahead!! Like a blessing came the now familiar horns of BSL wammie!! Familiar coz if the coach is in the front half of the rake we usually recognize the honking wether this is our train or not. And this time it was unmistakably our Wammie which was whisteling loud of its departure. But I admit my mind was now focussed on the crossing of the Rajdhanis. Just as we entered in loop line of Hodal I jumped out of my seat armed with my N73 for my first video ever of the mighty couples.
By the time we halted the main line signals were already showing "clear" for the mighty BCT Raj. I was amazed by the proximity to which the Rajdhani was following us. Barely a couple of minutes and came the horn of the king. The crowd of our train which was by now in the platform looked in anticipation. And in she came in the full glory with WAP7 with horns blaring,obliging the clear ahead with the elegant red LHB coaches. It was not a thundering speed but sufficient enough to make arailfan's day!!
http://www.youtube. com/watch? v=hvjMjcWMFp8
The advance starter at Hodal turned Red then immediately to amber and again proceed in quick succession and this time it was for the deputy. And again within a couple of minutes came August Kranti Rajdhani Express with a BRC WAP4 matching neck to neck in elegance with its predecessor.
http://www.youtube. com/watch? v=31lDK6ctTTI
It really feels satisfying to see these kind of scenes up close. By now after this much action I was totally absorbed in the railfanning fever and was hoping for Paschim to make its presence felt as well.. :-).. But soon I returned to practical world when I again heard the familiar loud honk. We were more than an hour late now.
After Hodal till MTJ and beyond the run was steady. We met AK Raj again at MTJ. Raj was in pf 2 and we were in pf1. It started as soon as we came 2 a halt. The pleasant evening had now turned to a warm night and again there were no signs of temperatures decreasing. Such was the condition that as soon as the train stopped I was awake. I coul literally feel the summer in the night!! Anyways I tried to sleep just thinking that the train will cover something at night (the most general perception I'd say..:-))..
The morning was pleasant however but I was waiting desperately for NGP!! But I soon realised there is some time left in reaching there when we entered Betul at around 0620.. still 40 min delayed. We made a decent morning run amid Multai Pandhurna Narkher etc. The temperatures again started becoming uncomfortable as the day progressed. But I was now worried because it was another 100 kms after Raipur that I had to travel. But the train really ran well against my predictions and we managed to stroll into NGP by 0930 or so still delayed. Although 30 min delay is not a big deal partticularly after the hour long halt before palwal but I was worried about the things to come. 0900 hours means NGP is choked with superfast trains bound for BSP. What priority we will get remained to be seen.
We were taken in Pf 5. The BSL wammie reversed and prepared itself for the final portion of its journey. Porbandar Howrah Exp was adjacent to us ready with a P4 and I had all the reasons in the world to believe that it will move ahead of us. But something good again happened not for the first time in the trip that we got a go ahead and the BSL Wammie now proceeded comfortably with tiny 13 coach load towards Raigarh.What followed after this was something that I am yet to experience even in the Rajdhani!! I have always lamented the stretch for delays and all. But this was probably the day when SECR guys decided to show me their might!!
We rolled off NGP at 1015 or may be a bit later. I was by now interested in minute by minute records of the train. The train really did awesome speeds through Kamptee/Kanhan/ Chacher/Salwa etc till Bhandara. The LPs were realy charged up folks and the section controllers really complemented them with au literally free of uscheduled halts!! By Bhandara the attitude of LPs were pretty clear. As soon as we got the proceed signal we again notched up aggressively. The wayside stations really flashed by and we did some continuous runs of pretty good speeds and more importantly without any obstruction. We reached Gondia and thanks to the fantastic run we had not aggravated our delay. Rather we were on the course for better.
What followed after Gondia left me spellbound. The setting was like high day tmperatures, I was near the gate charging the phone and simultaeously listening some numbers. The combination of heat and speed of the train forced me not to open the door. The mini ghat section before Dongargarh/Amgaon all were crossed in a flash. I really didnt realise and we had left Dongargarh/Rajnandg aon and were on our way to Durg. I was expecting Durg at around 1400 hrs. But the train made good use of slack available between Rajnandgaon and Durg and we swiftly crossed Rasmara/Murhipaar Sivnath and marched into Durg beforetime 1315 hrs!!Full 5 min beforetime. Nothing strange but after halting at Palwal for a hour and letting the Rajdhanis pass, I guess this deserved some accolade!!
We waited till 1330 and again started for Raipur. I was praying for this kind of run to continue till Raipur as well and so it happened!! Again at Raipur we were almost 5 min ahead of time. I thanked the LPs the section controllers and sprinted towards the bus stand for a bus to Ghari Chowk and further to my destination! !It was indeed a satisfying run that changed my notion that a SF can indeed make up lost time between NGP and Durg!! Beware Rajdhani, my expectations from you next time will be much higher.. :-))
The return journey was a more steady yet unusual affair. Unusual because for the first time I took the Howrah-BSP-NDLS Rajdhani Exp which means for the first time I took it from pf2. So accustomed I was to see it depart from pf 6.. Changing times.. I'd say.. Well, by the time I reached the station the train was already in the pf so cant comment on the occupancy prior to BSP but there were a few gentlemen in my coach who looked like coming all the way from Howrah.
http://www.youtube. com/watch? v=KENex52UeIY
In this link you can enjoy the Rajdhani crossing Betul at a pretty good speed. Thanks for patient reading... Comments/Suggestions awaited.
I had to do a NZM-BSP-NDLS round trip sometime in the second week of june. As the student life is over and so is the training, the professional life is demanding tight schedules. So much so that I was tempted to take a flight, something which I have not done till now. But somewhere deep down the railfan prevails... which tempted me to take the Great Indian Railway once again.So as it turned out to be, I had work in office till 1230 in Delhi on Thursday and had to reach Raipur rather 100 kms away from Raipur as soon as possible on Friday for a family function. Options avalable Rajdhani at 2040 from NDLS or Gondwana at 1530 hrs from NZM. I decided for the latter.
Due to last minute programme I managed a sleeper class tatkal confirmed ticket in an otherwise packed train. The ticket indicated Side Lower.I was excited. But the June heat was really threatening. It was literally boiling hot inside the comprtment as the rake moved in pf 4 of NZM. The honours went to a BSL wammie. We started on time and picked up decent speeds till outskirts of FBD. But the run was not smooth. It was marred by some slowing down and even halt. Meanwhile the sun baked the rake relentlessly and was in no mood of mercy. Just as we were about to enter Palwal we came to a grinding halt. But surprsingly the clouds made their presence felt and first relief from the heat. But sooner I realised that its almost 20 min now and my sole purpose o taking this train was to reach Raipur on time! ! The halt stretched to 40 min still no sign of any chance of moving ahead. Meanwhile TVC Rajdhani went towards NZM. This brought a sense of relief that at least section ahead is clear. But why on earth were we not moving?? I thought of a loco failure. By now all my thoughts of the train reaching Raipur in time had evaporated. Since I was traveling alone I decided against leaving my luggage unattended and walking to the loco.
Evening was setting in and I had a mixed feeling of excitement and frustration. Excitement coz it was now almost certain that we will be overtaken by both the Mumbai bound Rajdhanis and frustration coz it meant more delay!! Anyways I kept my fingers crossed and hoped for the train to move ahead!! Like a blessing came the now familiar horns of BSL wammie!! Familiar coz if the coach is in the front half of the rake we usually recognize the honking wether this is our train or not. And this time it was unmistakably our Wammie which was whisteling loud of its departure. But I admit my mind was now focussed on the crossing of the Rajdhanis. Just as we entered in loop line of Hodal I jumped out of my seat armed with my N73 for my first video ever of the mighty couples.
By the time we halted the main line signals were already showing "clear" for the mighty BCT Raj. I was amazed by the proximity to which the Rajdhani was following us. Barely a couple of minutes and came the horn of the king. The crowd of our train which was by now in the platform looked in anticipation. And in she came in the full glory with WAP7 with horns blaring,obliging the clear ahead with the elegant red LHB coaches. It was not a thundering speed but sufficient enough to make arailfan's day!!
http://www.youtube. com/watch? v=hvjMjcWMFp8
The advance starter at Hodal turned Red then immediately to amber and again proceed in quick succession and this time it was for the deputy. And again within a couple of minutes came August Kranti Rajdhani Express with a BRC WAP4 matching neck to neck in elegance with its predecessor.
http://www.youtube. com/watch? v=31lDK6ctTTI
It really feels satisfying to see these kind of scenes up close. By now after this much action I was totally absorbed in the railfanning fever and was hoping for Paschim to make its presence felt as well.. :-).. But soon I returned to practical world when I again heard the familiar loud honk. We were more than an hour late now.
After Hodal till MTJ and beyond the run was steady. We met AK Raj again at MTJ. Raj was in pf 2 and we were in pf1. It started as soon as we came 2 a halt. The pleasant evening had now turned to a warm night and again there were no signs of temperatures decreasing. Such was the condition that as soon as the train stopped I was awake. I coul literally feel the summer in the night!! Anyways I tried to sleep just thinking that the train will cover something at night (the most general perception I'd say..:-))..
The morning was pleasant however but I was waiting desperately for NGP!! But I soon realised there is some time left in reaching there when we entered Betul at around 0620.. still 40 min delayed. We made a decent morning run amid Multai Pandhurna Narkher etc. The temperatures again started becoming uncomfortable as the day progressed. But I was now worried because it was another 100 kms after Raipur that I had to travel. But the train really ran well against my predictions and we managed to stroll into NGP by 0930 or so still delayed. Although 30 min delay is not a big deal partticularly after the hour long halt before palwal but I was worried about the things to come. 0900 hours means NGP is choked with superfast trains bound for BSP. What priority we will get remained to be seen.
We were taken in Pf 5. The BSL wammie reversed and prepared itself for the final portion of its journey. Porbandar Howrah Exp was adjacent to us ready with a P4 and I had all the reasons in the world to believe that it will move ahead of us. But something good again happened not for the first time in the trip that we got a go ahead and the BSL Wammie now proceeded comfortably with tiny 13 coach load towards Raigarh.What followed after this was something that I am yet to experience even in the Rajdhani!! I have always lamented the stretch for delays and all. But this was probably the day when SECR guys decided to show me their might!!
We rolled off NGP at 1015 or may be a bit later. I was by now interested in minute by minute records of the train. The train really did awesome speeds through Kamptee/Kanhan/ Chacher/Salwa etc till Bhandara. The LPs were realy charged up folks and the section controllers really complemented them with au literally free of uscheduled halts!! By Bhandara the attitude of LPs were pretty clear. As soon as we got the proceed signal we again notched up aggressively. The wayside stations really flashed by and we did some continuous runs of pretty good speeds and more importantly without any obstruction. We reached Gondia and thanks to the fantastic run we had not aggravated our delay. Rather we were on the course for better.
What followed after Gondia left me spellbound. The setting was like high day tmperatures, I was near the gate charging the phone and simultaeously listening some numbers. The combination of heat and speed of the train forced me not to open the door. The mini ghat section before Dongargarh/Amgaon all were crossed in a flash. I really didnt realise and we had left Dongargarh/Rajnandg aon and were on our way to Durg. I was expecting Durg at around 1400 hrs. But the train made good use of slack available between Rajnandgaon and Durg and we swiftly crossed Rasmara/Murhipaar Sivnath and marched into Durg beforetime 1315 hrs!!Full 5 min beforetime. Nothing strange but after halting at Palwal for a hour and letting the Rajdhanis pass, I guess this deserved some accolade!!
We waited till 1330 and again started for Raipur. I was praying for this kind of run to continue till Raipur as well and so it happened!! Again at Raipur we were almost 5 min ahead of time. I thanked the LPs the section controllers and sprinted towards the bus stand for a bus to Ghari Chowk and further to my destination! !It was indeed a satisfying run that changed my notion that a SF can indeed make up lost time between NGP and Durg!! Beware Rajdhani, my expectations from you next time will be much higher.. :-))
The return journey was a more steady yet unusual affair. Unusual because for the first time I took the Howrah-BSP-NDLS Rajdhani Exp which means for the first time I took it from pf2. So accustomed I was to see it depart from pf 6.. Changing times.. I'd say.. Well, by the time I reached the station the train was already in the pf so cant comment on the occupancy prior to BSP but there were a few gentlemen in my coach who looked like coming all the way from Howrah.
http://www.youtube. com/watch? v=KENex52UeIY
In this link you can enjoy the Rajdhani crossing Betul at a pretty good speed. Thanks for patient reading... Comments/Suggestions awaited.
Sunday, August 2, 2009
The Journey
A lot has changed over the past one year... people amongst us have gone places, India has won border Gavaskar trophy, the masters ve reached the summit in tennis and cricket, LTTE is gone, temperature has increased, rain has decreased BUT one of the biggest change in my life is 'MY U SPL TRAVEL IS GONE!!' What great times they were. There were many facets of the U-Spl travel. Blessed I feel to be part of that grp coz civil 2k4 had the majority presnce in uspl frm south delhi. And the guys who made up the group was worth studying as a subject in itself. Allow me to describe the sequence on different days. Best for me were the days of the start of the year (not 2005/6/7 n 8!!). coz no one had got his room and the grp used to be in full strength. "You need to be at the stop @ 7:40 to be sure that you catch the bus" sandy told me 3 years back. His advice came after much thought as usual. He had seen me missing the bus often and repenting it later. It was 7 minutes walk for me from my home to u-spl stop. But often the walk was fearful, not for anything else but for Sandy's mis call!! Coz wenevr it came it meant that I missed the bus. But things were not that bad either. More often than not I was there on time to have the best of times. If there was a cricket match the previous day (international or DCE level), it WAS to be THE point of discussion for the next one hour. Prime participants Bhatti, Akash, Kunal, Pratyaksh, myself as per the presence. One fine morning even Mr Kirar was there from Jamnapaar!! and later Mr Lahiri joined the group too!! For the rest of the days, it was timepass discussion as usual. The crowd in our bus stop varied with days with monday being the greenest. But as the years progressed everydays started becoming the mondays.. :-).. on other days people were scarce. The prime feature of monday was the number of people and moreso the number of bags. The only saving grace was the better occupied ladeej seats. And yeah, often one could see Mr Samant sitting by the side of window on the first/second or third seat ahead of conductors'. Occupying seats on Mondays was the herculean task. Sandy as ususal was quick to realize this and shifted his base to the earlier stop!! Clever by a yard indeed.. Anyways, somehow we used to settle and start our chatter. Moti bagh came and the bus used to get more occupied. By Dhaula Kuan Mr Nehra used to make his great entry. After Dhaula Kuan it used to be a breezy run amid the woods on the empty road. Apart from Mondays, guuys used to become more steady now. Hooked in with their head sets or some novel or norman lewis. The bus used to pick some really good speeds and on some empty days it used to become the case of parts vibrating like anything!! However the most interesting part was for the person who had missed the bus. The top slot for bus-missing would come to either me or akash.. and then started the most tricky task of catching the bus back before punjabi bagh!! A race against time which needed military planning, strategy and time keeping. One faulty decision and you wont be at punjabi bagh on time. It looked like an eternity to reach p. bag sans u spl. Superselector, gizmos have been the popular points of discussions throughout the journey. Rohit used to be immersed in sleep :-), me, nehra and akash in tikki waali bets or match discussion. with sandy it feels like spending an eternity in bus. Eggjactly at 8.10 with an error of +5 min, the bus used to come at a screeching halt in patel ngr and enter the scene Mr KT!! On days other than mondays my dose for life coz otherwise the rest of the journey 'd ve been dull. KT used to come, get the chord done and 95 fm starts humming. On the days when 2k4 civil grp was big, everyone now was deeply absorbed in chitter chatter and on other days it was the case of novels n fm. Come Karampura and enter Mr. Kirar!!! By now every pj was treated with full hearted laughter. At punjabi bagh, we often got the opportunity to see special creatures which later became president of college!! Also it used to become clear if the missing fellow was to catch u spl or not! The density also often increased. By the time the u spl turned a smooth left at Wazirpur, it used to be 0835. Hayat to Wazirpur was possible in 35 min flat only in u spl. By the side of metro we breezed through to Kohat to Madhuban Chowk. By now often the u spl used to be pack to the brim. This is when the seated persons realize how comfortable they are! Nuts and bolts at the door ensured that the guy at the gate would get the morning attendance!! Vivek, sumit Oberoi often wud ve stepped in the bus by now. Now the u spl became a commuter bus. It is like a long journey before Mad C and short commuting sprint after that. By now the chat becomes more college oriented. The left turn to the Rohini Depot 2 and breezing through the Sector 17/16 and making sure that we were at college gate by 0858!! 2 more min for class!! People used to climb the bus even at the college gate to have a ride till the roundabout in front of admin!! The best part was the ticket checking at the stop just before college!! Once the checkers entered inside the college with the bus!! It is not that the bus reached Hayatt on time.. many a times it came late but then we had the awesome fantastic run via naraina!! Me, sandy, akki and prat used to track the time taken from Hayatt to wazirpur and it was in stark contrast with that of good old mudrika!! I dont know what you guys might be feeling by now but I really feel missed out in the morning! The boring bus ride to office.. I really mis the u spl, the atmosphere,, the crowd, the V factor (sandy, akki, kt n nehra r u reading).. It really used to be a picture perfect begining for the day... The days were even more fantastic during exams with the grace of the GOD himself from patel nagar metro stn! Endless discussions, last min revision ohh sorry first time seeing the topic used to be the order of the day!! How can me, sandy n prat can forget the bearing issue!! (it was in the rtv though but still..) At the end of it I wonder why is it all gone!! I am sure I have missed lots of things. It was 4 yrs of bonding which I have written in just a mail... Still wonder wether those days will come back again.. Missing the best times of my life...
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Visit to NZM, Jan 20 2009
Went to NZM today morning to attend for AP Express. And the observations are as under.
1) Pf tickets again unavailable. The notice shows that tickets will be unavailable for the duration 6 Jan to 31 Jan. If NR has a plan to not issue the pf tickets throughout the year they can do so with a clear notice in the news paper and having a special arrangement for needy persons. (Ladies, Sr Citizen, Handicapped etc..) In the present scenario, a guy who had to see off his wife for the afternoon Gondwana Exp, came in the morning to have a written permission beforehand to enter the station!!! He came with the ticket of his wife. The station staff refused him!!
2) Empty rake of Bhopal Exp at Pf 4 with WAP7 30214.
3) Golden Temple Mail at Pf2. Led by BRC WAP 4 22280. This train had a very long halt at NZM. It was there before I entered the station and was there till I left with hardly any signs of departure!! This gets a loco change here too??
4) Smart looking Wammie from BSL 21236was incharge of the Mangla Exp bound for ERS. It was to depart from Pf3.
5) JBP/RIG combine Gondwana Exp was at pf 6. This is the first time I saw the RIG bound Gondwana Exp.
6) AP Exp for NDLS came in at Pf 5 with LGD WAP4. It came in at 0930. My father came in this train from NGP. He told me that AP came 15-20 min before time at NGP.
7) ICF rake of NZM-DDN AC Spl was idling in second line from pf 3.
8) CGSK from Durg was announced. Pf 7 was empty for its reception.
Construction activity at Pf1 side were still on. Some glassy shining structure was appearing. Looks like NZM will become a very good looking station once this renovation is over.
1) Pf tickets again unavailable. The notice shows that tickets will be unavailable for the duration 6 Jan to 31 Jan. If NR has a plan to not issue the pf tickets throughout the year they can do so with a clear notice in the news paper and having a special arrangement for needy persons. (Ladies, Sr Citizen, Handicapped etc..) In the present scenario, a guy who had to see off his wife for the afternoon Gondwana Exp, came in the morning to have a written permission beforehand to enter the station!!! He came with the ticket of his wife. The station staff refused him!!
2) Empty rake of Bhopal Exp at Pf 4 with WAP7 30214.
3) Golden Temple Mail at Pf2. Led by BRC WAP 4 22280. This train had a very long halt at NZM. It was there before I entered the station and was there till I left with hardly any signs of departure!! This gets a loco change here too??
4) Smart looking Wammie from BSL 21236was incharge of the Mangla Exp bound for ERS. It was to depart from Pf3.
5) JBP/RIG combine Gondwana Exp was at pf 6. This is the first time I saw the RIG bound Gondwana Exp.
6) AP Exp for NDLS came in at Pf 5 with LGD WAP4. It came in at 0930. My father came in this train from NGP. He told me that AP came 15-20 min before time at NGP.
7) ICF rake of NZM-DDN AC Spl was idling in second line from pf 3.
8) CGSK from Durg was announced. Pf 7 was empty for its reception.
Construction activity at Pf1 side were still on. Some glassy shining structure was appearing. Looks like NZM will become a very good looking station once this renovation is over.
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