First Shatabdi Experience

31^st May 2014…

14: 40

                     We all moved to Begumpet station to board the Shatabdi Express as planned after a heavy Andra meal. On reaching the station, i was impressed by the curves of the station. What a sight it would be to see a train blasting through this station at maximum permissible speed. The rails curve into the station from right side while coming from Secunderabad side and it curves out towards right while looking towards Wadi side. I was hoping for an Alco for this run to get the classic combination of ICF shatabdi rake and an Alco. 2 famous people known for their writing skills and photography arrived in the meantime, Anil Kumar and Prithvi Raj. Time was nearing 15:00 and it was confirmed that our train will arrive by 15:10 on the display boards. My hopes of Alco were killed as Prithvi informed that the link given was an EMD, Pune WDP4D 40157.

                                                       Pune WDP4D arriving Begaumpet with the Shatabdi Express..

 At exactly 15:10, Pune WDP4D curved slowly into Begumpet with the shatabdi Express. My excitement rocketed sky high knowing that I will soon be stepping into history. I don’t know  what others think but for me the ICF Shatabdi livery is one of the best liveries in Indian Railways. 

                                                                                        Shatabdi Express...

It was time to bid good bye to Hyderabad kings Benhur, Anil and Pritvi raj. Raghu from Hyderbad had boarded the train at Secunderabad itself. The other part of the gang (Aswin Kumar, Gowri Shankar sir, Dr. Himagirish Rao, Harisharan, Karthik Vinayak, Raghu Jayaram, Rohit Subramanium, Satyanarayan, Vivek and yours truly ) boarded the train. All our seats were scattered and we decided to request others to get together. I was just wowed by the looks as soon as I entered, the coach was very neat and it gave a royal feel when I sat down on my seat. The leg space was very good, push backs were working properly. AC cooling was good. Looks like I was damn lucky to get this coach.

                                                                                 Inside view of my coach...

Previously reports about this train suggested bad coaches and ordinary food. Part about the train has changed and now I was waiting for the food hoping that it will also be on the positive side. It was around 30 minutes into the journey and the irctc guy started distributing the snacks. The snack consisted of a Samosa, Sonapapdi, roasted nuts, hot water, milk powder, coffee powder and sugar. The samosa did taste like samosa but it had turned bit chill. Sonapapdi was good, Roasted nuts were too salty and Coffee that I made with the ingredients given turned out to be the worst coffee that I have tasted till now. Vikarabad was reached around 16:10 and the railfan in me decided to go to the door.

                                                                                        Curving after Vikarabad...

Raghu Jayaram had suggested me this section for video capturing as there are many curves and beautiful view of the landscape. I was joined by Rohit and Doctor at the door. We were having a wonderful time until a caution signal was spotted. We were soon stopped at home signal of some station. After getting down, it was clearly visible that both the main line and loop line were occupied by freight trains. Knowing that we will be getting line clear only after one of them move out, we started taking pictures with the train. The assumption turned out to be false, it was almost 30 minutes into the stop and no signs of movement. Just then a WAG7 appeared on the line towards Secunderabad. It stopped and reversed back. Now we started thinking that something has gone wrong. The home signal turned caution and we proceeded into Rukmapur. We were stopped here as well. Being railfans we started assuming many things, In the meantime Vivek and Rohit walked towards the station manager room to find out what exactly had happened. Hyderabad Tandur passenger which was ahead of us had a cattle runover the locomotive hauling that train was unable to continue the journey due to some technical issue. The locos (WAG7 that reversed ) form one of the freight’s which was blocking our part was sent for rescuing it. We were also informed that it may take another half an hour before we proceed. This gave us ample time to explore the train. Me, Rohit and Karthik decided to have a look at the loco and we marched forward while others decided to stay near the coach itself. On reaching near the loco we saw Loco pilots were enjoying their break and few people surrounding them were asking questions. After taking few pictures of the locos, we moved back to our coach. The station looks very beautiful with trees on the platforms and beautiful greenery around it.

                                                         Waiting at this beautiful station for line clearance... 

                                                                                           At Rukmapur...

                                                      Yours truly posing with the Shatabdi Express at Rukmapur.....

We departed around 18:00 from the station, our loco started showing its true color as we accelerated madly after clearing the loop line. We slowed down again as we neared Tandur and the culprit for making us late was standing in the loop line getting ready for  its return trip to Hyderabad. The locos that rescued the train were WAG7 that we saw along with its shed mate. 

                                  Tandur Hyderabad Passenger getting ready for its return run with KZJ WAG7 twins...

The train was having a weird composition with second class and sleeper coaches mixed. We started again after a 2 minute schedule halt. There were few more surprises in that rake composition. A completed packed first class coach and a locked AC 3tier coach. The First class coach was being used as a general coach. How lucky are those people traveling in first class coach with paying only the general ticket rates. The loco that failed to move with this train was LGD WAP4. We soon started accelerating out of Tandur, our loco was doing its best. A high speed crossing with a loaded freight train, a passenger, lots of freight overtakes and icing on the cake was the setting sun forming beautiful tones in the sky all along in the background.  

     

It was getting dark as we neared Wadi Junction. We had vada pav and mirchi bhaji there knowing that our dinner will be delayed. The dinner for the train is loaded at Solapur which we were supposed to reach at 19:40 but now expected to reach by 22:00. I decided to take a break from door and decided to sit inside until Daund. We soon reached Gulburga and I started feeling sleepy from there. We started going through each other’s pictures that was captured till now and lots of jokes kept me awake till Solapur. We were looped at Akalkot around 21:00 to let 2 trains cross, this gave me some time to experiment with

                                                                     Our train waiting at Akalkot for crossing...

exposure shots. We reached Solapur around 22:00. Dinner was loaded and it was served as soon as we departed, first up was Bread sticks along with butter and tomato soup. I was so hungry that I did not wait for the soup and had the bread sticks with only butter. Soup was hot and tasted good in the cool atmosphere. The main course consisted of Dal, Paneer gravy, Rice, 2 Chapattis, curd and Gulabjamun. Dal was good with Rice, Paneer was not so good main reason being I don’t like paneer that much. Gulabjamun was nice, it was very soft and melted as soon as it entered my mouth. Overall it was a good dinner so even this part gets thumbs up from my side. My brain said enough is enough and it switched off. I was so tired that i was having an undisturbed sleep, woke up to find the train was entering Hadapsar and the time was around 01:00. After the slow crawl of 10kmph, we entered Pune Junction delayed by 2 hours. I was very emotionally on getting down from the train at this place which had shown me how to lead a life alone and the value of family. I lived in Pune for almost 17 months away from my family for the first time in my life. I was working here.Video compilations from this run can be seen below. Hope you all enjoyed this report. Will soon upload the reports about the events leading to the shatabdi run and the special events after arriving at the Pune.

A Long Difficult Walk just to see trains..

20^th December 2013…

                  I was counting my days in Pune and it was decided that i should visit the Shindawane ghats once more before i move out of Pune. I decided to do this plan alone as the date decided was 21^st. The weather forecast indicated a very humid day but that did not stop me. It was time for me to return back home and as i started moving out from office, got a call from my friend asking about my weekend plans. I explained about this plan and he immediately volunteered to join. I agreed and we decided to meet at a common point Hinjewadi circle the next day at 7am. With everything ready for the exciting day, I hit the bed after a good dinner. 

Trip teaser can be seen below..

 

21^st December 2013…

                  Woke up at 5 and got ready by 6. Still plenty of time left, I decided to track the current position of trains that I will be catching up at Shindawane. With one final check of all the things needed, I left my place at 6:45am. I met my friend as planned at Hinjewadi circle. After 30 minutes of wait, we finally catch a bus to Pune station. The bus journey turns out to be one of the slowest journeys that I have done on this stretch. We finally reach Pune station by 8:45 am. With very little time left for our train’s departure. We decided to have a simple street breakfast, Fruit salad and vada pavs. Station is reached at 9:00am and luckily the signal is not cleared for our train. I ask my friend to wait on the platform number 2 and ran to get our tickets. Time was 09:05am by the time I returned, still no signs of line clear. We finally settle down on the 2^nd coach. At 09:15 am, Pune Alco blows its horns and we start moving. Next 30 minutes is spent on details of the location with my friend. Exactly at 10:00am, we reach Shindawane ghats. I got down and ran a bit to get a picture of the loco of our train. The train moves out with lovely chugging. I then explain my friend the details about the place and we finally start moving towards the longest viaduct of Shindawane ghats. It’s a 6km walk from the station via the tracks and around a km less if walked along the plains. We decided to walk along the plains as I have done the walk on the tracks before and my friend is not comfortable walking on the tracks. The temperature is bit high as expected, it starts showing on us. Almost an hour into our walk we hear our first train sound. Twin EMD's from Raipur shed running light towards Pune. We then walk past the area where the first tunnel on this section is located. We decided to climb this hill to have a look from the top. Chug chug sounds start up again and it is starting to increase indicating a freight is on the move and its climbing the hills. Soon Twin Alco’s from Kazipet roars past us. We then decide to go through tunnel number 2 to reach the viaduct. It was very hot when we reached the viaduct. It was decided to explore the surrounding and have a view of the viaduct from various angles. Time was 12:00 where we heard a distinct EMD roar indicating the arrival of a long metal snake, Karnataka Samapark Kranti, it passed the viaduct without any troubles. If observed closely one will also be able to see the Solapur Pune railway line from here, we did see a train rushing towards Pune. By 2pm, 3 more trains passed and we decided to go to the base of the viaduct. While we were moving, a localite came running to us to know what we were doing here. I seriously don’t know whether I was able to convey what I was doing all this time. I and my friend were speaking in half boiled Hindi and the localite was mostly responding in Marathi. Nevertheless we smiled at each other before moving away. As we were moving down Koyna Express bound to Mumbai gave us a silent attack. I was never in a proper position to capture it on my camera. By 3:00pm we reached the base and soon a rebuilt Alco passed the viaduct with Swarna Jayanthi Express. Our base started making wired sounds indicating that we are starving and with only water in hand we had no choice but to start moving towards the station for our return journey. A derated Alco with Hopper rakes crossed us as we were returning. I had a very good lunch when I had visited this place in March. Hoping for the same, we started towards the hotel which was near to the station. Every step closer got us excited as we were about to enjoy some north Indian food. Fate had other ideas, the hotel was completely demolished and the same happened to our hopes. Luckily a 4 wheeler was going towards Uruli, we jumped in and jumped out at Uruli in 30 minutes at Rs20 per head. Our mind had only food at that time and we soon entered the nearest hotel that we saw. We had a good puri bhaji and then dosa to finish our lunch. Time was around 5:00pm so it was decided to take the Solapur passenger train back to Pune from here. As we were entering Uruli station, I saw the latest sensation of Indian railways WDP4D entering with a train. Assuming it to be passenger train, I ran to the counter to get the tickets. I gave Rs.20 and reply came that ticket is Rs.60, then i soon realized that it was the late running Jhelum Express. With no option, we boarded the first coach rather should i say that i made my friend to board the first coach so that i can enjoy the loco sounds. We soon departed from Uruli to mark my first run behind WDP4D’s. Run was wonderful and we finally reached Pune at 06:25pm. One of our friends who was near Pune station at that time picked us up to Hinjewadi to end this exciting, amazing ( only for me ) and tiring ( both of us ) day. Video and Pictures can be seen below..

 

 

                                        Pune WDM3A with Pune Kolhapur Passenger at Shindawane...

                                                                           A Parakeet..

                                                  Raipur WDG4 twins  running light towards Pune..

                                                  KZJ WDG3A twins with BCNA climbing the Ghats..

                                                          Right below the tallest viaduct of Shindawane...

                                                              The Superman of Indian Railways..
.

                                                Karanataka Sampark Kranti Express led by KJM WDP4....

                  A train seen on the Solapur Pune line from Shindawane ghats ( Hutatma Express to Pune ) ..

                                                               GY WDG4 twins with BCNA..

                                                     Pune WDG3A with Kolhapur Pune Passenger..

                                                       View of the Viaduct from ground level..

 
My friend’s name is Sam kumar, we work at the same place. A special thanks to him without which trip would have been a different story. The title is mainly taken from my friend’s reaction after the trip. A good amount of Wildlife can be seen as well..

Adventurous Ride to Capture trains…….

          

       I am on my way to Hebbal in a bus. I get a message from the loco pilot that he has already arrived Hebbal and he is ready with his loco 978. Without any further delays, I make it in time. Our journey goes smooth until we stopped at Yelahanka home to let 2 trains pass. First up was the Yesvantpur bound Kacheguda Express led by an EMD locomotive. Then it was the turn of the smoke bomb, yes you got that right. An Alco with Indore - Yesvantpur Express. We then made through Yelahanka without any slow down. Next stop was near Rajankunte to let the King pass and also to finish our Lunch. King Karnataka Express blasted past us at nearly 100kph and the clouds were becoming thick indicating heavy rains. I ate Idly Vada while the Loco Pilot had Puri’s. As soon as we finished our lunch it started to rain which meant that our stay here was longer. We waited for nearly an hour before departing again. We stopped again just a km from where we started to let a freight train overtake us. It was a short mixture of BCNHL and BCN led by 9000 horses from Gooty. It started to rain again and we were waiting for the rain to go away. Finally we departed again after another long break from Rajankunte, then slowly entered Dodballapur to find the main line cleared which meant we had to stop again to let a train overtake us. This time it was the return journey of Yesvantpur – Indore Express which had crossed us at Yelahanka before. With no trains in sight for the next 1 hour, we were assured that our next stop will be at railfan's paradise, Makalidurga. We reached our next destination where many trains will overtake us before we change direction towards Bangalore, totally 6 trains overtook us here. It was getting dark by the time the last train overtook us so we reversed direction and did a non-stop run from Makalidurga to Malleswaram. This was one of my best rides resulting in seeing trains at different location.

The details of trains are

.           

      At Yelahanka Home, 

            We crossed 2 trains. First one was Kacheguda - Yesvantpur Express led by KJM WDP4 #20042. then RTM WDM3A #18626 with Indore – Yesvantpur Express at the same spot. 

      Near Rajankunte, 

            Bangalore bound Karnataka Express led by MLY WDM3A twins #16658R and #14035.Mixed freight train with Gooty WDG4 twins.

 

          At Dodballapur, 

               RTM WDM3A #18626 with Yesvantpur - Indore Express. 

         At Makali ghats, 

            Bangalore - Bhubaneswar Prasanthi Express led by KJM WDP4B #40015. Yesvantpur - Machilipatnam Kondavedu Express led by GY WDM3D #11339. Yesvantpur – Kacheguda Express led by KJM WDP4 #20057. KZJ WDG3A twins #14842 & #14573 with BTPN / BTFLN. Coimbatore – Lokmanya Tilak Express led by KJM WDP4 #20041. GY WDG4 twins #12605 & #12318 light.

      Video Compilations from this trip can be seen below..

                                        Kacheguda - Bangalore Express led by KJM WDP4 #20042

                               A special thanks to the friendly loco pilot Dheeraj rao and his loco Bajaj discover... :)

Hope you all enjoyed...

Race against Time to meet visitors…

                 Half asleep, I search for my phone. I click on the home button to get a rude shock, its 8:30 and am still in bed. My plans have gone haywire, am starting to wonder whether I will make it in time to meet the visitors. Cursing the IPL, i start moving. Time is 9:30 and I am finally ready but still behind the schedule that I had planned the previous day by a long way. With only hopes on my side, I plan to catch a bus to Malleswaram from my place. 

09:40 – Reached Malleswaram, walked for 5 minutes for the connecting bus to the destination which I had planned.

10:10 – Still no signs of the buses which I was supposed to take. With no hopes of making it in time I change my plans and board a bus to a place which is around 5km from the original place. My mind is just saying don’t worry, you will make it time. A quick check on my phones confirms me that I am bound to miss one of the visitors for sure.

10:30 – At this place, you will get to see metal men and women dressed up beautifully in different colors, the one which impressed me a lot was the lady in yellow and green.

10:40 – I am still 20 minutes away and it looks like I am bound to miss everyone whom I was supposed to meet.

11:00 – I reached the place to find one of the visitors is waiting for me. I never expected this and well guess what the second visitor is yet to arrive. Well everything going my way upto to now.

I guess it’s about time that I mention who the visitors are and where exactly I am at the moment. The visitors are Etarsi Alco twins and second one, you will find out soon. I am at a place called Chikbanavar which is 5km from Arkavati River where I had initially planned to catch these 2 visitors. By now, the place mentioned at 10:30 would have been guessed by few, if not its Yesvantpur Junction. Metal men’s are diesel locomotives and women’s are the cute electric locomotives. The beauty in yellow and green is AJJ WAM4. A quick check on my phone, I checked the train status on the train enquiry site. My original place was to catch Bangalore - Tumkur Passenger upto Soldevanahalli and then walk from there to Arkavathi River. Then return back to my place by BMTC.

Coming back to Chikbanavar, Etarsi twins were in the loop line waiting for line clearance with Vasco Yesvantpur express. This train had arrived here by 10:25 itself, confirmed by the train enquiry. I started walking away from the station to capture these visitors so as to avoid attentions from the staffs. I crossed the station home signal and waited there for the signal to change from red to green for the second visitor coming from Yesvantpur. Ten minutes passed and still no signs of any train moment. Finally the signal goes from red to green but on the line towards Yesvantpur. ET twins honk loud and start to move, In the meantime, the home signal turns to amber from red and I hear the ear shattering horn of an EMD. The second visitor, BGKT WDG4 with Yesvantpur Jaipur Specials enters the scene and I started recording the video. I guess you all can see what happened next in the video. 

As soon as I turned back after recording the video, I find another train approaching Chikbanavar from Tumkur side. The train was coming with an EMD locomotive and I identified it as Shimoga Bangalore Intercity. He came to a halt at the station as the line ahead was occupied by Vasco Express. I started moving towards the station to have a closer look at the loco. It was KJM WDG4, a plasser was started up on the loop line in the meantime and soon it was given proceed towards Yesvantpur which meant that the intercity had to wait longer before it could move out. I decided to move out after taking few pictures. I then took a bus to yesvantpur just to catch the lady in yellow and green before returning home. It was good day for me only thing that did not go my way was both the trains crossed slowly. A high speed crossing between the 2 would have been an added bonus. Well that ends this short and sweet railfanning trip. Hope you enjoyed reading this….

                                              KJM WDG4 with Shimoga Bangalore Intercity Express

                                                    Arrakonam WAM4's taking rest at Yesvantpur