A trip report on a journey from MALM to YPR.
--------------------------
Date:20 & 21 June 2018.
It was time to head back to Bengaluru after having darshan at Mantralayam. The journey was scheduled in the BIDR Express. The scheduled departure is 00:30 hrs at MALM. We reached the station at around 23:30 hrs(20 June 2018). Another half an hour and it would be 21st...
more...

and an hour more for our train to reach MALM. Announcement was being made for the NZB bound Rayalaseema Express. As we crossed the booking counter, I heard a typical 3 phase honk. The Rayalaseema Express thundered onto PF.No.2 with LGD WAP7 30452 in the lead running nearly 50+ mins behind schedule. The train didnt get starter for quite a long time. Then, the starter on the mainline at the GTL end turned green. The Khalasi was standing on the gap between the tracks near 12793 with a torch flashing green light. And then once again I heard a whining horn. There it was, the pride of SWR, the King, SBC bound 22692 Namma Bengaluru Rajdhani roared at MPS with TKD WAP7 30335 with amazing track sounds. I regret for not recording a video as I was suddenly down with cold and was desparately waiting to board BIDR Express to catch some sleep. After the majestic skip by SBC Rajdhani, Rayalaseema also departed with its rear EOG coupled the other way round with the vestibule on the other side instead of facing inwards just like it had been when I saw 12793 at RU on March 31,2018. But the size of the crowd on PF.No.2 didnt reduce. The crowd was for the late running MAS-CSMT Express. Finally,MAS-CSMT arrived with Grandpa AJJ WAP1. It left after a minute. Then announcement was made for the Manuguru Express from Kolhapur. HOG LGD WAP7 30572 pulled in with the KOP-MUGR Express with some melodious honking. Simultaneously the SUR-HAS Express arrived with UBL WDP4B 40046. The same loco brought HAS-SUR Express from HAS on 19th June and reversed and took charge from YPR in which travelled from YPR to MALM on the same day. Both the trains started simultaneously. Meanwhile, as per NTES, our train was delayed by 35 mins. LTT bound Kurla Express from CBE came with a WDP4. Surprisingly, it was running with minimal delay. After a long wait, at 00:50 hrs, my train arrived with KJM WDP4 20038(LHF). My coach was B1. As I was settling onto my berth, Bagalkot bound Basava Express arrived on PF.No.2.
-
The sun had already risen. I woke up to find that we were departing from YNK at around 06:58 hrs,3 mins late. This showed that we had a good run. We cruised through KDGH. After crossing an LC just after KDGH, we came to a grinding halt. We waited and waited and waited. After 40 mins of wait, MLY WDM3A twins led 15016 YPR-GKP Express sped past our train. It was jampacked and had two Humsafar liveried 3AC coaches. At 7:45 AM, we got clearance, we switched onto the track on the right and crawled through LOGH. Once again we were halted with half of the train within the PF limit of LOGH. Another 10 mins of unscheduled halt at LOGH. After getting starter, we had a non-stop run till YPR outer. Once again we were stopped. This time it was for SUR-HAS Express. After 5 mins, I heard a loud EMD honk and from the window I could see that it was the SUR-HAS Express taking the HAS line with the same WDP4B in charge after reversal. Finally we were cleared to enter the PF. As we were making our way into YPR, I spotted LGD WAP7s 30425 and 30448 resting with DEE Duronto and HWH Humsafar in YPR yard. We pulled onto PF.No.4 at 8:20 AM,40 mins behind schedule. KJM WDP4D was standing with the LHB rake of ADI Express on PF.No.5 and HWH-YPR SF's rake was on PF.No.3. Not to mention, its SWR train and the ICF coach was maintained par excellence and was very comfortable.The coach attendants were friendly and so were the fellow passengers. Kudos to the LPs who gave us an amazing run.
Thanks for reading patiently.

A Quick trip to Pune and Mumbai in the last week of May saw me go through a lot of hurdles. Plans, re-worked plans, ticket bookings, cancellations, it was all there. The plan was to return by Chalukya Express to Bengaluru. And my retiring room was booked in CST station. With all friends and acquaintances, including railway staff, advising against boarding a local to Dadar (The Chalukya originated from there), we decided to buy a First Class ticket and take a Door journey of the next available Mail/Express train, which happened to be the Kolhapur bound Mahalaxmi Express. Hauled by a WCAM3, we departed bang on the dot at 20:20 hrs, and ended up in Dadar pf5 at 20:35 hrs. With just 1 hr left for my train's departure, and with not much energy to hunt for places to have dinner, we ended up having Vada Pavs from a restaurant outside...
more...

the station.
Chalukya Express departed right time at 21:30 hrs, mostly probably hauled by some WCAMx, totally drained of energy, i didn't bother checking the power. From Pune, a KJM EMD took over, later learned that it was WDP4D 40529. When i woke up the next morning, we were nearing Sangli. This route was always in my bucket list to be covered in day time. Well I was glad that I at-least got a part of it, Shindwane still eludes me.
Post Sangli, the route mesmerized me a lot. Especially the stretch till Belgavi, the repetitive curves, windmills near Raybag, the Krishna River bridge, the crops fields and other scenes unfolding all around, had me glued to my window. This train doesn't have Pantry, and surprisingly, didn't halt anywhere long enough for me to scout platforms in search of breakfast, leaving me at the mercy of the on board vendors. 2 plates of Vadas were all I could handle, and they were enough to remind of the home kitchen. Outside the train though, the crossings kept coming every now and then, in many occasions we were given the proceed ahead, while in a couple of instances, we were shown the loop, for passengers that too.
Rushing along, we met the lines from Goa and Dudhsagar Falls at Londa Jn, the heat was beginning to show, and I feared that fatigue might kick in. Thankfully, didn't happen. For lunch, I didn't take much of a risk, and ordered a Veg Thali from an online catering app, which was duly delivered in Hubballi Jn.
A Veg Thali consisting of A Cup of rice, 2 Vegetable varieties, A Dal, 4 rotis, 2 Gulab Jamuns, Salad n Pickle, was devoured as we swept past the dry cultivation lands surrounding the Hubballi Davangere section. Meanwhile, the King of the section, the Janshatabdi crawled past us at Hubballi south, scheduled to overtake us later in the night. The climate was cooler now, and the rains came down pouring as we neared Arsikere. In the meanwhile, Janshatabdi had reversed in Hubballi and managed to catch up with us, but was still far away for the overtake.
Post Arsikere, a string of dark stations greeted us, courtesy powercuts. And finally at Golahalli, we were looped and Janshatabdi overtook us at MPS. Though it was a scheduled overtake, I would have liked it to have happened much closer to Yeshvantpur.
Post the overtake, the speed was moderate and we crawled for the last 10 mins or so, and managed to arrive Yeshvantpur pf2 at 21:50hrs, delayed by 20 mins. The journey was both enjoyable and tiring, and i was so drained that I decided to nap in the cab itself on my way home. Chalukya Express is definitely one of those trains one can prefer for a group travel with some friends, not much disturbance from Unreserved travelers, the absence of a Pantry may make a difference to a few, but if food can be arranged from outside vendors and on board caterers, it would make up for it.

Date Of Journey:- 4th June 2017
After doing a rigorous 1 month training in Pune, its now time to return for the last time (Not last to be exact, have to come again for taking documents back). This time its a journey in broad daylight in 11026 Pune Bhusawal Express till Kalyan. Quite excited regarding this journey for same old reason:- Bhor Ghats in Daylight <3 <3
I arrived Pune Railway Station at around 11:00 Hrs where announcements where made that 12158 SUR PA Hutatma Express has arrived on PF 4. It has...
more...

RSA or Rake Sharing Arrangement with 11026 Pune Bhusawal. I quickly rushed towards PF 4. Its quite awkward only 1 bridge connecting all 6 PFs, one connects PF1 with PF 2 and PF 3. So now I rushed towards that 1 bridge which connects all 6 PFs. The crowd on the bridge was giving way too much trouble. No proper system of walking, everyone was walking down the wrong lane and blaming others if something hits them and blah blah blah... Nevermind, somehow I managed to reach PF 4 where my train's rake was standing. My coach was D2, 5th coach from Loco. Kept my luggage under my side, bag up the rack and you guys might guess what i'll do next =D... Yes, I walked out of my coach only to check the loco of my train ^_^. It was around 11:15 still loco was not attached. I saw a WAM 4 which was eyeing towards 11026 still I was not quite sure whether it was the link of our train. Excitement grew as I was thinking WAM 4, my favourite loco class will haul my train. It came to halt just outside the PA ETS, all excitement went down. It stopped only to make for WCAM 2 21878 hauled Deccan Express to enter PF 5. Train came to a halt at PF still the loco was not moving. And this time it was Karjat Passenger who was blocking the way. Karjat Pass also crossed and finally after a short honk, WAM 4 moved towards my train's rake. My excitement reached its peak when I realized it was WAM 4 21399, the last indigenously built WAM 4 which is named as Anant [Pic 1/2]. At 11:34 it was coupled to 11026 and we were ready for departure, in the mean time using Pune Station's Rail wire Wifi, I quickly opened this site and noted all the crossings till KYN. Sadly, there were crossings only till LNL and post LNL, nothing. Never mind, I was happy regarding WAM 4 as link of my train.
11:43 and Starter Signal given, though we departed 11:45 bang on time. WAM 4 known for its better TE than WAP 4 is what I impresses me the most about it. As soon we joined Mainline after enough crawling at 10KMPH. WAM 4 accelerated to around 70 in just around a min. PA to SVJR 2Kms in just 7Mins is ok for 16 coacher train. We crossed BSL WAP 4 hauling my train's counterpart, 11025 BSL PA. It took a halt at SVJR only because local was given preference. Local was at PA Home Signal when it crossed us. Now its MPS time, no slow down, line was clear, WAM 4 showed its power being an aged loco, still having the power proportional to WAP 4 though the Maximum Speed it can go is less than WAP 4. ITs ok as we are neither gonna touch 110 KMPH, but lets get back to journey where after crossing Khadki at 11:56 we crossed 22541/BRC hauling INDB PA via PNVL. LP blinked at us quite a few times, may some careless fellow was performing his duty, not sure about it. Weather was just brilliant, cool breeze taking the sweat away, the lovely formation of clouds making it look like it will rain heavily in few moments [Pic 3]. Greenery here too developed a lot when few days ago it rained heavily. Wished if I got a track side window seat...
12:06 Chinchwad. As we were arriving CCH, we xinged with Kolhapur bound Koyna Express which was exiting the loop after its scheduled halt [Pic 4]. CCH witnessed a lot of passengers entering my coach. Few of them seemed WL pax or maybe local travelers till LNL or something. Thank God and LP as the door where I was sitting was beneath the FOB thus protecting my harmful UV rays of Sun (Lol) It was quite hot by the time, winds completely vanished though the clouds were the same. We Departed 12:08 after a long honk of WAM 4. Loop exit was around 15 and WAM 4 started showing its TE, from 15 to 90 in around 2-3 Mins. and now no stopping, no slowing down. Took a very smooth entry and exit at Akurdi at 12:15 and crossed the famous [not much] S curve too very smoothly. 51318 made our way clear at Dehu Road hauled by BSL WAG 5 23547. We were doing constant of 90 KMPH. Scenes post TGN were stunning [Pic 5/6/7] with one LHB Train hauled by 11215/PA which I later realized it was TEN PA Spl. Maybe it was running late or horribly late since it was not included in my crossings list. Wind intensity increased as we go parallel with Indrayani River near Kamshet at 12:34. And the last crossing in PA DIV, an Half full-Half Empty EMU towards Pune post Kamshet. It was drizzling after that though the clouds made it look like it pour heavily. Staring at sky, I forgot to note down the time when I crossed Malavli. maybe around 12:40 or 12:39. I entered Mumbai Division or BB Division [Bori Bunder] at 12:43. There is one board at Pole Marker No.130/40 or slightly before of the same marker when moving towards LNL which marks the start and end of PA as well as BB DIV. Lonavala Goods siding was empty, expected a freight there.. At Last arrived Lonavala at 12:46 [Pic 8/9] where I crossed 23907+23891 hauling a long rake of BCNA pushed by 3 WAG 7 Bankers. LNL ETS was dominated by Kalyan Loco Shed based Electrics comprising mostly of WAG 7 and 2/3 WCAM 3. Few Pax who boarded at CCH de-boarded at LNL. Very few pax got on board. Number of Vendors who boarded my coach was more than number of passengers who board the same coach. We Depart 12:48.
KM Marker No.127/50 Marks the Start of Ghats with 1:37 of Grade Falling [Pic 10]. We were on 2nd Line which is Unidirectional. We reached to a max speed of around 80 KMPH. After crossing a Line Closing or LC in short, we braked hard only to make a unscheduled halt at Khandala [Pic 11]. Now starts the South East or Bhor Ghats. After 12:57 LP gave a short honk and we depart, no need for traction, falling gradient made a smooth departure from station itself. Still that "Aggressive" LP accelerated to around 60KMPH and left everything on to brakes to manage. There was a catch siding or something else just after KAD Station. We entered one long tunnel [Pic 12] Tunnels were well lit, no fear of anything if we go inside though some venemous creatures maybe a risk. Smell was also good (I guess im not only the one). This tunnel entrance looked beautiful as if it was decorated. We took around 1.5Mins to exit the tunnel [Pic 13]. Crossed another tunnel which was short than previous one, though the smell remained constant ^_^. As soon as we left the tunnel, LP went bit hard on brakes till we reach 40 [Pic 14]. Mountains were very very huge, looked very beautiful, i just wished if it rained very hard how awesome it would look. Full of greenery instead of brownery. Hope so i get an oppurtunity to travel in monsoon. Moments later, came across a board saying Tata Bridge [Pic 15]. It was a small bridge with no supports on sides and if you are walking through it and train comes from behind or anywhere, you are in trouble. Though there are place for standing, place is at such a height you'll be scared to run on it. Also there is a slight gap between rail and standing place enough to make a thin person escape through between of it. Maybe it turned too scary, but never mind, moving on, i came across a diversion where all 3 tracks take their way into the tunnel beneath a road [Pic 16]. One good i liked about Bhor Ghats is that for every single tunnel, it has its own uniqueness. Some were well structured, while some were made for the sake of making a tunnel through though they looked pretty intresting than others.
Moments passed, tunnels passed, mountains passed but not a single train crossed. Suddenly, i thought "saala ye TC kidar reh gaya" (Where the hell is TC?) "Choddo saamne Bhor ghats hai uska maza leta hu" (Leave him, I'll better enjoy the view of Bhor Ghats infront of me). Literally you'll forget the one who are with you such was the beautiful and elegant scenery of Bhor Ghats. We entered one tunnel which is has now became my favourite tunnel [Pic 17/18]. And to the other side of tunnel was..... You just have a look at those pics [Pic 19/20/21]. And this LP was too good, he halted the train for around 1 min only for passengers to look at the beautiful scenery (I know and you know its not true, maybe some other technical reasons). Too much excitment is also not good which i learnt at that very moment when i mistimed my capture of my first crossing, Kazipet EMD Twins hauling BCNA at very spot [Pic 22]. Mistimed only because my train began to move that moment. Moving on, ghats continued to impress with those lovely mountains and those awesome combination of clouds in sky [Pic 23...26]. There few S curves but i captured none only because the wind was strong thus disturbing my stability [Pic 27, on S curve]. Clouds now started to turn black as we move on but sunlight was also making its prescence. Come KM Marker no.110 and we were greeted by the best scenery view till now <3 [Pic 28]. It was 13:24 and we reached Jambrung Cabin [Pic 29]. The Jambrung Cabin looked very beautiful and the soil around it was giving a very pleasant smell as if it rained few minutes ago. Terrain was quite good, looking a nice spot for railfanning. We skipped at around 50KMPH. Another beautiful scene infront of us ahead of Jambrung Cabin is just mesmerizing [Pic 30]. It was drizzling as we descend down the last grade in Bhor Ghats, maybe ghats was crying because i left (Big LOL). We reached Palasdhari at 13:28 which marks the end of a lovely journey in Bhor Ghats <3 <3
We took 10 Mins for barely 2KMs post PDI till KJT thus arrived KJT 13:39, delayed by 5Mins. It was still drizzling. EMU too arrived on EMU PF where lot of people deboarded. Hawkers were selling their products even in drizzle. Spotted 2 WCAM 3 bankers reversing towards stabling line on far end to be coupled with 17222 LTT COA Express while 3 WAG 7 bankers [Pic 30] take the place of those 2 WCAM 3. It was 13:49 but we were not given signal. It was the EMU who was given priority though due to some problem, it started late. Annoucement was made "EMU Platform k driver kripya gaadi chalu kijiye" (Driver of EMU Platform kindly start the train). EMU left 13:50 and we left KJT 13:53.
Now its time for Karjat Panvel Single Line, one of the least explored line BB Division all due to less trains. Purpose was to send freights to and fro JNPT (Jawaharlal Nehru Trust Port) near PNVL to out of Mumbai towards Pune Side. Entry to this line was at a speed of 10/15KMPH and then it was all MPS. Most of this section is 90KMPH while rest is 100KMPH. Crossed LTT COA at Karjat Outer [Pic 31]. As soon as we crossed the entry curve, WAM 4 was pulled the train hard as if it was waiting to show what it is made of. Scenery of this line was too brilliant with mountains and mountains everywhere. Netting of this place already done to prevent any rocks falling on tracks/train [Pic 32]. Then we entered a very long long tunnel maybe around 2KMs long. Netting was done on the other side of the tunnel as well. Tried taking few pics but i was unable to get proper stability due to High running speed of train. In just moments we arrived at the first station of this section, Chouk Station [Pic 33] where BL WAG 5HP+WAG 5HA Twins with BCHNL Consist was waiting for us. Maybe only 2 or 3 people got onboard. We Depart 14:13. Loop entry and loop exit were both 15 KMPH. I was sitting on the right side and poles where on other side which made me feel like im in diesel section. This section is full of mountains, all of different shapes and size. We were at constant speed of 90KMPH and it was clouds who were doing their work of spreading coolness in the atmosphere. In No time, we arrived Mohape Station. Weird, this station doesnt have its name on Station board [Pic 34]. Here also no or maybe 1 person boarded the train and we left the station 14:28. This loop exit was of 20 KMPH. This time we were crawling even though line ahead was clear. Maybe some sort of Caution Order or some restriction. But the nature was stunning [Pic 35]. Sun rays and shadows alternating continously till we reach Chikhale. Mountains started to disappear slowly though the view remained beautiful. We reached Chikhale Station 14:38 [Pic 36]. We slightly huge amount of passengers got onboard, maybe 20 or something around it. All these places once developed will attract stoppages of other trains who skip these stations. It will take a lot of time, maybe one day it happens or never.
We departed Chikhale 14:39 running 30 Mins late. Waved a railfan at end of the single line near PNVL while other railfan was busy capturing KYN WDG 4D with freight coming from KR. We arrived PNVL 14:48 delayed by 33Mins. Half the train emptied here, atleast my coach. Heat level suddenly increased and i was covered in sweat the very next moment when train came to halt. I saw a gentlemen wearing suit boot and suddenly thought "Ye TC kidar marr gaya?" (Where the hell TC died?) More than half of the journey is completed still he didnt came to check the tickets. Never mind, my train left PNVL 14:50. ALP came towards door only to wave the green flag but he was simply standing on the edge of the door holding green flag in his hand [Pic 37] I thought he'll wave but he didnt. And suddenly a jerk felt and we moved aggressively. As soon as we crossed Kalamboli, xinged with 22701 hauling GWL PA. We were at MPS but humidity followed us. When i looked out, i felt as if i was standing near volcano which just erupted. So i decided to sit on my seat, that was the seat i booked, not the one at door (LOL). We overtook Vasai Road bound MEMU at Navade Road. Fully packed MEMU i just wonder how they manage to stand all the way and even make their way out. Navade Road gone, Taloja Panchand gone, all skipped at MPS though we slowed down near Nilje all hail one TSR on bridge. The bridge was at its worst condition. Could break any time, its good they started the work as soon as possible since monsoon may hinder the maintenance work. This time we crawled all the way till Dativali even though we crossed T/P sign. We were on the 7th track (Including sidings) AND FINALLY...!!! Mumbai Locals after a span of one month. It was such a awesome feeling after spotting the MRVC Siemens Local. Its just beyond words. Come 1,2,3 and 4 local crossed me. Megablock was the reason else not a single minute will pass in 4 Line Section with no EMUs. AND AGAIN... Crossed my Home Station Kopar, it was the same as I left it a month ago, skipped it at a moderate pace. Crossed Dombivili at 15:30 where i was greeted by a massive offlink 22310/HWH with Godan Express. Hopefully THK LC was closed this time else I could have reached KYN Damn late. Saw a WDG 4D with BTPN, WCAG 1 Twins with CONCOR all facing towards JNPT. And at last, arrived Kalyan Junction at 15:44, Delayed by 27 Mins. Surprisingly, TC didnt appeared for the whole journey made me wonder is there any TC in this train? Or was it for this journey since i was travelling?
Overall Journey onboard this train is awesome, in terms of railfanning, not good enough but if you want to explore Bhor Ghats and KJT PNVL Single in good light, go for it. Else give it the low priority. Clealiness was Superb at PA, poor at KYN all hail those passengers eating and throwing things out of train or on the deck. Maybe you wanna save some money, then go for it (TC remains absent, but dont blame me later if he appears out of nowhere)

#TripReport
Date of Journey - 03 Dec 2016
From - Pune Junction
To - Solapur Junction
Train No. - 19420 Ahmedabad Chennai Express
Engine...
more...

- WDP4D KJM Shed
It's a great weekend I was enjoying in Pune and in the night I was planned to travel by 19420. I was traveling to Chandani Chowk by PMPML. In mean while I checked NTES and found that my train running late by 2 hrs. Expected arrival at Pune is 23:15 instead of regular 21:10.
I have taken Kothrud Depot - MaNaPa bus till Shivajinagar and took Lonavala Pune Local for next 3 Km journey.
I reached Pune Station at 23:00. PF1 was occupied by Pune Ernakulam Poorna Express via Miraj. PF2 by Kolhapur Gondia Maharashtra Express. My local came on PF3 and within 5 mins it is departed as Pune Talegaon Local. At 23:15, Kalyan WDM3D hauling LTT Hubali Express came on PF4 and Pune WDP4D hauling Secunderabad Pune Shatabdi came to PF5 bang on time. After that, NZM Pune Holiday Special arrived in PF6 and Chennai Mumbai Express on PF3.
My train 19420 Ahmadabad Chennai Express arrived at 23:45 on PF2 with Amul livery Vadodara WAP5. After a brief hault of 25 mins and loco change from electric to diesel KJM shed WDP4D, departed at 00:10.
As train was running late by 3 hrs, I thought it will take atleast 4-5 hrs or may be more than 6 hrs to give side for on time trains. I kept alarm of 4 AM and started enjoying journey. Train was superb horn with awesome driver running continuously at 108 Kmph. In the whole journey, train was stopped at Bhigwan for Siddheshwar and Washimbe for Latur Mumbai. Skipped Daund, Kurduwadi with great speed.
Surprisingly, reached Solapur at 03:45 AM on PF3 i.e. only 3 hr 35 mins journey. If was slept and waited for 4 AM alarm then surely I went to Wadi.. :D as the concept is late running train is always late.
Awesome journey comes an end here with 1.5 hrs delay covered enroute. Hope you enjoyed this trip report.. :)

#ObservationsAtPune *** Trip Report!!! 8 Years Ago at Pune-Miraj-Belgaum Section ! ***
Part I of Pune-Miraj, Miraj-Hubli, Hubli-Belgaum journeys by train (and last leg Belgaum-Pune was bus journey)!
I had some work at Hubli and Belgaum on Saturday/Sunday 09/10-Feb-2008. I checked reservation availability and I was surprised to see tickets available for 1029 Koyana Exp and 1047 Hubli Exp.
Immediately, I made second...
more...

seating (2S) booking for Pune-Miraj journey by 1029 Mumbai-Kolhapur Koyana Exp on 9-Feb-2008 and
sleeper class (SL) ticket by 1047 Miraj-Hubli Exp on 10-Feb-2008. Both the combined tickets cost was Rs. 230. I am not sure if I got telescopic benefit or not. Pune-Hubli SL journey cost of 2780 Goa Exp (as shown in website) is Rs. 260. And my ticket is anyway cheaper by Rs. 30 (at the expense of additional 5-6 hours, however, boon for a railfan)!
Goa Exp is always full and is impossible to get ticket at short period of 4-5 days before travel date! Hence, I had chosen Pune-Miraj and Miraj-Hubli journeys! And this gave me opportunity to travel on Shindavane-Ambale Ghat Section during day time!
The plan was to reach Hubli on Sunday morning where I had 2-3 hours of work. And then, the plan was to catch 1620 Hubli-Miraj Passenger and reach Belgaum by around 16:30 hrs. At Belgaum, I had 4 hrs work. And return journey was planned by bus from Belgaum to Pune (no bus reservations were made for the same)!
This part 1 of the trip report consists of observations at Pune Railway Station on Saturday 9-Feb-2008 from 12:45 to 13:15 hrs.
I reached Pune station at 12:45 hrs. I entered the station from Hotel La Meridian side (PF6 end) and walked down on PF6 to see
the locos in pit line near PF6. This pit line had orange KZJ WDM3A # 18980R (ready to move out position) and red/yellow/blue
ED WDM2A # 18534 (at dead end). I am seeing such Erode livery for the first time at Pune!
I then walked back on PF6 towards Mumbai end of Pune station and climbed the new foot over bridge (FOB), which is quite clean and very less crowded. I was waiting there for 1029 CSTM-KOP Koyana Exp!
A Kurla Shunter CLA WDS4D # 19718 was seen shunting goods wagons near cement loading area (Maldhaka area). Pune-Lonavala local departed from PF6 at sharp 13:00 hrs. This EMU had huge crowd, as after this 13:00 hrs local, next local towards Talegaon is
only at 15:00 hrs and next local towards Lonavala is at 15:40 hrs. So, with no connection to Lonavala for 2 hrs 40 min, travelers
take pains not to miss this 13:00 hrs EMU!
Soon, behind this EMU, a goods train hauled by twin Kalyan WCG2 locos moved from Ghorpadi side towards Lonavala side. The leading loco (towards Mumbai) was KYN WCG2 # 20134 and trailing loco was KYN WCG2 # 20135. Nice to see consecutive loco road numbers 20134/20135 coupled together. Light running green PUNE WDM2 # 17516 was seen moving towards loco shed. This must have come with Daund-Pune Passenger rake which was stabled on PF3. Later, at 13:25 hrs, the same rake departed as 1321 Pune-Nanded Nizamabad Passenger behind freshly painted blue PUNE WDM2 # 16042.
Derated green PUNE WDM2S # 18255 (loco marked as fit for shunting work only, not suitable for mainline work) was seen roaming around. Skyblue/yellow GTL WDM3A # 18885R was getting ready. I was sure that this loco will haul my train, 1029 Koyna Exp! Another derated green PUNE WDM2S # 18346 was seen shunting the rake of Indrayani Exp as Deccan Exp on PF4 (as the same rake of incoming Indrayani Exp goes out in the afternoon at Deccan Exp).
Announcements were being made about timely expected arrivals of 1078 Jammutawi-Pune Jhelum Exp and 1610 Miraj-Pune Passenger and timely expected departure of 9311 Pune-Indore Exp (which now runs on Saturday in addition to earlier Tuesday/Friday runs)! Announcement was made that my train 1029 Shri Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus Mumbai - Shri Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj Terminus Kolhapur Koyana Exp is expected on it's scheduled time 13:05 hrs on PF1. I went to PF1 from FOB at around 13:15 hrs (as Koyana still had not yet come)!
Finally, my train 1029 Koyana Exp arrived on PF1 with KJM WDP4 # 20034. WDP4 was in long hood forward (LHF) mode towards Miraj direction. WDP4 was detached and soon GTL WDM3A 18885R was attached to haul Koyna Exp towards Kolhapur.
I boarded my coach D3 and occupied my window seat! Koyana Exp finally left Pune Station at around 13:40 hrs (now late by 25 minutes from Pune itself)! In the Ghorpuri Yard (GIT area), I saw KJM WDG3A # 13256 and orange GY WDG3A # 13246 Shakti locos. Koyana Exp halted for almost 7-8 minutes at Ghorpuri (GPR) station. This station has 1 island kind of platform to accommodate 2 trains. And on left hand side of GPR Station (while moving towards Miraj), there is PUNE DLS (Diesel Loco Shed)! I could see 7-8 locos inside DLS. However, due to high rising wall separating loco shed and station, I could not see/note any loco numbers.
Journey from Pune-Miraj to follow soon in Part 2!