My dream of traveling on this train was finally realized on my recent visit to India. Have taken a lot of video footage and will upload one at a time. Two runs stood out for me - the first was a cracking 3.5 hour non-stop run from Igatpuri to Bhusaval outer, blazing through everything. The 2nd was a 5 hr 35 mt run from ET to STA with only one unscheduled halt at Madan Mahal. Pipariya, Jabalpur, Katni, Maihar, ... was skipped. My 3AC coach was pretty much full till Satna. I observed many people getting down at Satna. Looks like it is a well patronized halt, since it provides good connections for Rewa.
I...
more... noted that there are now direct trains from Nagpur, Rajkot, Delhi and Bilaspur to Rewa. What is stopping IR from introducing a direct Mumbai-Rewa train?
As far as the maintenance of the LHB rake is concerned, it is quite mediocre. For example, a lot of the walls near the door area had vinyl coverings getting peeled off, presenting a very grotesque look. Evening snacks were really good as well as the breakfast. Dinner was ok.