NDLS-BSP by Rajdhani... June 11,2008

We reached NDLS well on time for the scheduled departure of Rajdhani which is 2040 hrs. The board at NDLS showed Jammu AC Spl departing from pf 10 at 2030 hrs and BSP Raj from pf 10 at 2040 hrs!! Strange it was!! I thought that JAT AC Spl would also be a punny 11 coach rake and in that way both the rakes will be brought in by the ame shunter and will head in opposite directions at the scheduled time. But the small display boards at the pf were only interested in showing the AC spl coaches.. after a few min they started showing BSP Raj markings as well!! The same board showing position for A2 of BSP Raj and B4 of AC spl!!!

We thought it better to be near the stairs in case we might ve to shift to other pf... At 2010 hrs, AC spl was brought in at pf 10!! It was a good 17 coach rake and occupied te entire pf much against what I had expected!! The announcer was also least interested to announce anything abt BSP Raj.. pf 11 was empty and the beddings for BSP Raj had already arrived at the pf.

Finally the BSP Raj pulled in at pf 11. It was also brought in by a shunter!! In all the previous occassions, this train was brought in by the WAP loco responsible for its run till BSP. We settled at our coach and I couldnt find time to go and note down the road number. Some things shopuld be left for the morning I thought. We had a good run in the night. Due to some very hectic days prior to the journey at Delhi, the only thing I could think of was having a good sleep.

In the morning, I saw Narmada and we pulled into Bhopal. To my surprise, I saw both Mumbai Rajdhani and AK Raj a few min later at Bhopal!!! They were diverted due to Gujjar agitation. We left Bhopal after a rather long halt and proceeded for our brilliant morning run among the hills!! The early morning run between BPL and NGP is simnply awesome and something which I always enjoy..

We reached NGP an hour late. When we were pulling into NGP BSL WAM4 led Azad Hind Exp was departing towards HWH.We were taken in pf 4. On pf 3 was Samarasta Exp towards HWH and on pf 5 was Gondwana for BSP!!! 4 trains ona trot for BSP. I wondered which will be given a go ahead first!! I wished it to be us after all we were the Rajdhani Express!! But no... it was the Gondwana which was the first to dpart. At NAgpur, I noted that the loco which was pulling us was none other than Babasaheb!!! WAP1 22021 of GZB!! Thankfully we started before Samrasta.

We trailed Gondwana all the way till Bhatapara. We were accomodated in the same pf from where Azad Hind has left and while Raj was in the display boards promptly showed the arrival of Samarasta which was following us.

At Bhatapara, we stopped!! I wondered why after already getting so late?? The signal turned green.. was green for a few min and then turned red.. Samarasta came in at the adjacent pf and left. I went on towards the loco to ask what has happened. Babasaheb has failed!!! Both pantos were down and the Lps were busy doing something deep inside the loco. Soon after Samarsata Mail towards Howrah crossed us. Few min later a twin WDG3A hauled freight crossed at a high speed and so did another WAG9 hauled freighter. Full Boxn rake at sucha good speed is a thrill!! Meanwhile the platform was deserted and it looked like it is New Delhi-Bhatapara Rajdhani!!! After 1 hr and 15 mins we got news that a new loco is being arranged and guess where the new loco was standing?? Right next to our track was a soiltary WAG7.. new and shiny. It did the honours to haul us for the rest 1 hr 20 min or so journey. After a loong halt even the WAG7 seemed like doing a fantastic job..

Uncharacteristically, we were taken in at pf 1 of BSP junction. As we were to catch another passenger for our onwards jorney I couldnt snap the WAG7 led Rajdhani!!

While we were at Bhatapara, me and my Dad had a chat with gaurd. The talk mainly centred around the priorities of the Rajdhani.. The gaurd replied in anguish.."The only priority for the railways is the money train.. the goods train.. rest all is same!!!"

Meanwhile I spotted Chhattisgarh bound for ASR twice.. once with WAP4 and once with twin WAM4s..