This indeed is 'Asuvidha'!
A scrap rake with about to condemn SL coaches from SR/NFR/SE forms 82642 KCVL - GHY Suvidha Special train; saw a lone coach which is 2014 made. Though supposed to leave QLN on Sundays @ 1250, it came today morning @ 0645, over 18 hours late, powered by a visibly tired, 'Tiger faced' WAG 7(#24522/JHS). As it runs as Special Fare special too, all the GS coaches(6 in all & 2 SLR) were retained. Plus, an A/c, GS(both locked) & Pantry Car(non functional) coaches belonging to NFR were probably being transferred to home CD.
At...
more... QLN, a middle aged man was about to enter S6 cocah & two TTEs(Surprise, surprise!!) surfaced from nowhere. One of them asked him where he's headed & the man said 'Ernakulam'. The TTE promptly warned him that the fare will be Rs. 1,100!!!
For a train which has the dubious distinction of never leaving KCVL on its nominated day of service since the second trip, the fares charged by converting it 'Suvidha' is simply atrocious. For the fares they're charging, Railways should atleast ensure punctuality. No wonder there was hardly anyone in the SL coaches when this train reached QLN.
Sincerely wish Railways will offer a better deal to people travelling all the way to GHY by such trains.