RN/Ratnagiri (3 PFs)

रत्‍नागिरी

रत्‍नागिरी

Track: Single Electric-Line

I travelled in this train in both the directions for a short trip from Kharepatan Road to Ratnagiri and vice versa during Holi (Shimga) in March 2022 and here is my experience:

1. Coaches: As the Sindhudurg Express has been upgraded to LHB Coaches, the experience has transformed completely. The train was satisfactorily clean throughout in both the directions.

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Amenities: Even the unreserved coaches have two charging points at each bay and two each at the side seats (SLB AND SUB). Each bay is equipped with a mirror on both sides and retractable luggage hooks. There is a water vending machine (free) near the lavatories and it was in working condition. The luggage racks had cusioned seats for overcrowded scenarios.

3. Crowd: Avoid this train at any cost during the peak seasons of Ganeshotsav and Holi if you wish to travel from Diva to Khed or vice versa.I was told by one of the co-passengers that there were people hanging through the doors from Panvel and the train got almost vacant at Khed. If you are traveling beyond Khed to Sawantwadi or from Sawantwadi upto Khed, then there is no issue as it runs almost vacant in this section.

4. Food: If Mandovi Express is the Food King, then Sindhudurg Express is the Food Prince of this section. You get everything from basic Bananas to Biryanis and ice creams in this train. It is a paradise for kids travelling in this train as they can keep on munching food stuffs at regular intervals. Do note that most of the vendors are locals and not authorized by the railways. Can't comment on the quality as I had taken home cooked food during my travel.

5. Railfanning: My sole purpose of travel was Railfanning and this is a great train for us railfans. With the train waiting for almost all the crossings in the single line section and covering the beautiful konkan stretch ijn daylight, it is a paradise. Try to be at the front coaches to experience the amazing chugging sounds of the Alco from ERS shed.

Fondly called as Diva Gadi, I am sure the experience in this train would be in atleast one of the fondest childhood memories of each Konkani grownup and the individuals who have travelled in this train.

P.S: I had two kids (unknown to me) as my co-passengers and when the train blasted out of one of the umpteen tunnels after Rajapur, one of them just shouted in Marathi 'एकदम मजा येते' meaning he is having a lot of fun. I was giving them instructions on when the next tunnel is arriving and the upcoming stations enroute.

Do travel in the Sindhudurg Express to experience the child inside you.

Cheers,
Vivek

Ratnagiri is a superb station on Konkan Railway.
Here are a few tips based on my experience:
1. General: Ratnagiri railway station is one of the very well maintained stations on the Konkan Railway. There are three platforms where PF#2 and 3 are island platforms. Even if your train arrives at PF #1, you would have go through the bridge in order to get out. One advantage of the train arriving of PF #1 is that there a lift is available on PF#1 which takes you to the top, eliminating the need of...
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taking the stairs.
2. Ganpatipule: Alight here to visit the famous Ganpatipule Beach/ Temple. You would get Rickshaws directly to the beach from the station. In order to board a rickshaw to Ganpatipule, you need to get out of the station from the PF #1 side. They charge you around 400-450 rs. The Rickshaws take you through the Aarey-Warey beach route which is quite scenic. If you would like to take a State Transport bus, they are available from Ratnagiri depot which is at quite a distance from the station. You may take a ST bus from station to depot and from there, another one to the Ganpatipule.
3: Amenities: This station has a common waiting room, a ladies only waiting room and a dormitory, all near the RPF office above PF#1. Both the rooms are way below average and badly maintained by a private organization. Instead you could rest at the benches provided near the ticket counters. The UTS ticket counters, current ticket counter and the enquiry counter are above PF#1. Water coolers are provided on PF#1 and above PF#1, near the lift.
4: Food: We had our lunch at this station and the food was above par if not awesome. There is one stall above PF#1 which serves chapati-bhaji, biryani, vada-pav and some other fast foods along with cold drinks and kokam sharbat. Try not to have Vada-Pav's from the Vendors at this station as it is tasteless.
5. Signboards and Announcements: The announcement facility at this station is quite good. The station is very nicely marked with proper signboards.
6. Railfanning: It is a superb spot for railfanning. Almost every train has a crew change at Ratnagiri in both directions and hence you would get to talk to a lot of LP's and ALP's here. Also note that the staff on Konkan Railway are very courteous and kindhearted. They are real fun to talk to and would always reply to each of your queries. I spoke to the Technical Maintenance Engineer for an hour or so and it was so nice of him to speak to me. There is also a freight platform here and hence you would also get to spot some WDG's. If you have a departure here, arrive at the station 2 to 3 hours in advance as it is ideal for RFing. I arrived 4 hours before the departure of my train and it was an awesome experience.

RAILOTELS

Konkan Railway has facilitated the development of Railotels as an additional improvised passenger amenity in the vicinity of important stations. In this scheme so far, Railotels are commissioned at Ratnagiri (Maharashtra) and Kumta (Karnataka) stations.

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facilities available at Railotel includes

Air condition/Non Air Condition – rooms
Vegetarian/Non Vegetarian – Restaurants
Communications facilities
Sufficient parking area.

Details of Railotels

RATNAGIRI

Hotel Giri Ratna (Railotel)
Near Railway Station, Ratnagiri
Maharashtra

Managed and Operated by –

M/s.Krishnali Resorts Private Limited