ERN-MAS in 2696 on 12 Dec 08

After 100 long days in Kerela, the day finally came back when I was to return to Delhi. My plan of travel was to take 2696 TVC-MAS Exp from ERN on 12th thereby reaching MAS on 13th at 0945 Hrs. From MAS, I was to take Rajdhani for NZM on 14th morning.

We were a group of 5 all bound for Delhi. We reached ERN (Ernakulam Town) at 2030 hrs. As we entered the pf, GHY-TVC Exp made exit from pf 2 with a WAM4(may be from AJJ). Some construction work is in progress in pf 1 side. The coach positions were written by hand by a lady on the board for the trains to be departed from pf1. The display boards were not functioning.

ERS Guruvayur passenger led by 14030 ERS WDM came in pf 1. Next to arrive in pf 2 was HYD-Kollam spl Exp led by a WAG7 from LGD. It was a 17/18 coach rake and shined under the tube lights of the station. Well for those who have never been to ERN, the station has only two pfs saperated by two pit lines. It has a pretty steep curve on the Aluva side. The curve starts midway in the pf and the curve is such that the end is not visible.

A light Ed WAP4 strolled through the first pit line from pf 1 towards Aluva. Soon after I realised why as at 2100 hrs the JAT bound CAPE-JAT Himsagar Exp came in pf 1 led by ERS WDM3A. The loco was changed to the ED WAP4.

After a loong wait, at 2215 hrs, 2696 came with AJJ WAP4 incharge. The coah positioning as mentioned in that board finally turned out to be false as the AC 2 and AC 3 coaches were messed up. Normally the coach configuration should be 2 nos AC 2 tier coaches together and then 2 nos AC 3 tier coaches. But here it was alternate. With heaps of luggage, we had to make hurry to board the train. Our coach A2 was of very old make. Infact it was of the age of 2 coaches per bay type. The inside was also warm.

After saying goodby to the airport at Aluva which looks majestic at night we reached Thrissur at 2325 Hrs. I went to sleep tired after half the day in refinery.

Strangely, at ED, which came an hour and a half late, I spotted that this train has an FC too but there is no mention of it in TAAG!! Well at 0800 hrs we reached JTJ and I spotted a MGS WAG7.

At 0830 Hrs, MAS-MYS 2007 Shat sped past towards MYS with AJJ WAM4. The rake was 11 coach out of which first two were tat indicom while rest all were conventional ICF coaches.

At 0910 we were standed in Katpadi and strangely enough 21373 ET WAM4 led MAs bound Shatabdi crossed us!! I guess this must be an off link.

At 1100 hrs, deep into MAS suburb, I spotted a WR marked MRVC rake which I had mentioned in my arlier report as well... A WAG9 was also spotted.

1110 Hrs, we entered into MAS. The only purpose was to visit some relatives in MAS and roam around till 0610 hrs the next day!!

Additional: (On MAS Suburban System)

I got a chance to hop in to the Chennai local trains. I had to travel from Park Stn to St Thomas Mount. I really enjoyed the experience. I mean it was really good to have locals running there otherwise I wouldnt have dreamt of reaching TG Nagar so easily from Central!! Also got the opportunity to see Chennai Egmore with many rakes stabled there. The train breezed through Saidapet, Guindy and all and reched St Thomas Mount. THe rush in the train was thin. (Probably for the odd hours of 1300 hrs). But it made for a splendid ride in Local train!!!