20:00
I open my maps app and check the distance to Hebbal from the
place I was in a crowded bus on the outer ring road. It says 2 km and can be
reached in 8 minutes with the current traffic status.
With every passing minute, it seemed impossible to reach according to
prediction. All of a sudden,
my bus enters service road and Hebbal is reached by 20:10
I then decide to head below the hebbal flyover where once I had caught this
The light would be perfect and I can immediately board a bus back home. The
first problem started here,
The light from the advertising boarding on the flyover were
switched off. The next option was the Hebbal station, walking along the track
seemed too risky ( It was pitch dark and could see some guys sitting on the
tracks. So a quick check on the NTES app ( Train was yet to depart from source
) and with the signal still in danger. I decided to head to the station by a
small road next to the traffic police station.
I entered the platform and decided a spot next to the station board where there
was good amount of light. I checked the Ntes app again and it showed that the
train has departed on time which means it is expected any time now. I was
facing towards Yesvantpur side and turned back to check on the signal ( if it
has become proceed or not ). It was still Danger. I had crossed 2 guys while I
was entering the station and one of them was standing on the opposite platform
facing towards me. I got a doubt and turned back, saw the other person near the
station.
My mind went straight to 2008 when 4 grownups corned me and
my friend near Yesvantpur in the same manner. My friend lost his phone in that
incident after a fight.
And I quickly realized fighting will not be a good option as I am not sure how
many were around and clever thing to do was to head to a safe spot. Luckily
since I was in the station, I headed straight to station master cabin which was
just 100m away. Those 2 guys followed me until the cabin and stopped. One guy
jumped into the bushes. The other guy came near me. He waited for some time to
see if I was moving and since I was right in front of the cabin. He went out of
the station. I waited there till the train passed and walked on the ring road
to the bus stop. I was lucky to escape without any issues.
I initially taught of not mentioning this but since many
people follow my work. I wanted to inform you all about this to be safe.
Railfanning is not a safe hobby especially in India. Either an official will
question (which is fine as they have the right) or the anti-social elements
will try to take advantage of you.
So always choose a safe place for train spotting and always be alert of your
surroundings.
The video during which the above incident happened
The video during which the above incident happened
