Trip Report III
Came to my berth, constantly trying to check on the IRI site about expected timings bt internet connection was too weak. Meanwhile P7 kept blasting and a gr8 surprise was awaiting us. In less than 10-15mins after departing from Sewagram, we overtook AP SF Exp in between. After scorching tracks for around 20-25mins, we were stopped at Tuljapur at around 3.40pm.
At Tuljapur the railway lines are diversed alongside adjacent to the PFs, so we were standing on PF1, the leftmost track. On the 3rd track came AP SF...
more... exp after 5-6 mins which also halted. In between AP and Mys-Jp, a track was empty which was occupied by Nandigram Exp (led by BLS WAP4) which also joined us. So by 4pm, three trains were stopped at Tuljapur side by side, all going 2wards NGP. The Guard informd since the track ahead suffered damages due to rainfall and also mud slitting more delay is possible. Some of the passengers checked the news with their relatives staying nearby NGP, to
get informed that NGP has been affectd by rainfall and train timings had gone haywire due to water logging and track damages. That news was
like bolt frm blue. It meant the trains are going to move one after another on a single track. AP Exp got the ahead signal, it departed.
After 7-8mins of AP's departure, Nandigram EXp also followed.We were yet to get signal. In between on the downline, a Duronto Crossed. On the adjacent track TVC Korba Exp( hauled by BSL WAP4) joined us. After waiting for another 5-6 mins, Korba Exp also left. 12975 which was already late, didnt get any priority apart from overtaking AP Exp before Tuljapur. Then we got Kolhapur - Gondia Exp (hauled by BSL WAP4) for company. To utter disdain, Gondia Exp also went ahead after halting for 5 mins. That was really frustrating :(. Somehow after halting for bit more than 1hr, we got signal to proceed, i kept standing on the door, to see the condition of the track. It was really bad.
The maintenance staffs were working swiftly. Many machines and stuffs were used to remove and repair damages. I cud see by leaning, that before
12975, Gondia Exp and Korba Exp, all were moving one after another on the same track. On the downline we were greeted by Howrah - Mumbai Mail
( hauled by HWH WAP4). Puri - Ahmedabad Exp (hauled by SRC WAP4) was trailing the HWH Mail. After crossing the damaged section of the tracks,
which was the main cause for delaying trains, we were greeted by HWH - PUNE Azad Hind SF Exp (BSL WAP4) which was waitng behind Puri - ADI EXp.
After getting clearance, LGD P7 notched up and in no time we overtook Gondia Exp at Ajni Jn. By the time, it again started raining. We reached NGP at 5.50pm (approx 6hrs 40mins late). Saw Dakshin Exp (hauled by LGD WAP7) waiting 2 go towards HYD/VSKP. Many passengers who had cancelled their tickets after hearing the diversion were surprised to see 12975 arriving NGP. It was raining at NGP. Many passengers boarded the train. Since berths were empty after NGP bound passengers got down at Balharshah and Chandrapur, the TTE Allocated the vacant berths to those who boarded at NGP. At 6.05pm, we departed from NGP. We were immidiately having a parallel action with Kolhapur - Gondia Exp which arrived NGP behind us and also departed at the same time. We took the left line and moved along a curve. A hoot of WAP4 made me wait at the door, juz to be greeted by HWH - CSTM Duronto (hauled by HWH WAP4). It was getting pitch dark due to evening has set in and also of the bad weather. I kept standing at the door and chatted with the staffs regarding the expectd arrival timings in Bhopal and other stations.
I learnt from them, that I may have to get down at BPL somewhere around 2 - 2.30am, which made me a bit nervous, since it was monsoon and I know monsoon in Madhya Pradesh can be very worse. It rained continuously. As no loco change was expected in between, I came back to my berth to get a short nap. At 9.00pm, the pantry guy arrived with dinner (comprising of Dal-Tadka,Matar Paneer,Veg Curry,4 parathas,sweet).Had my dinner, paid him the money for the meals and breakfast. A service message showed that We r now in MP. At 10.55pm We reached Itarsi Jn, the rain didnt subdued a bit. Departed from PF1 (Itarsi Jn) at 11.05pm.My Dad kept me informed about the timings of the next stations ahead. After Itarsi, at PowerKheda, we stopped for more than 15mins only to be overtaken by SBC - NZM Rajdhani Exp which was delayed by around 1hr 40mins (approx). We got go ahead signal, and coasted towards Hoshangabad (HBD), the next stoppage. We reached HBD at 12.10am. Again made to wait to be overtaken by NZM bound Karnataka SF Exp.
Both RAJDHANI and Karnataka SF Exp were late by 2hrs or so, as compared to 12975 Mys-Jp Exp. We left HBD at 1.10am. Gliding thru valleys and tunnels
amidst monsoon showers, we reached Habibganj at 2.10am. Few Passengers got down at HBJ Jn, and a handful boarded. We snaild thru the outskirts of Bhopal City, arrived finally at BPL Jn at 2.35am (8hrs 20mins behind schedule) (27/7/13). I decided to stay at the Waiting room till dawn, since it was raining.
By the time I came down at PF1 waiting room, P7 gave its customery hoot, at 2.50am and lurched ahead for the remaining journey to Jaipur
Some points which may be useful for the passengers who would be travelling by this train in future.
1. Though we were delayed by more than 8hrs(till BPL in my case), dont get impression that this train runs late all the time. When weather is bad and tracks are damaged nothing can be done.The train when got oppurtunity, blasted and scorched tracks while hauled by MoulaAli twins and LGD P7.
2. The staffs and TTE enroute are very generous and helpful specially when they allocated berths to those who boarded at NGP even though got their
tickets cancelled after hearing diversion.
3. The Coaches were very clean and tidy. I didnt even noticed a single rodent, unlike in many trains I have seen(eg Coro, HWH-MAS Mail, Hwh-ypr Exp etc)
4. Beddings provided were clean and fresh.
5. Maintenance was very good, thruout the journey there was no shortage of water in the wash-basins and washrooms. Washrooms were washed in between.
6. Room Freshners and Insect repellents were sprayed from time to time.
7. Coming to food quality, u wont get Non-veg(not even in breakfast). But the Veg-meals provided are very good and tasty. I have never eaten so much
tasty food in SF Exp apart from Rajdhani's nd Duronto's. Pricing may be a bit higher, but if u get a good food thn pricing wont be a headache.
8. Snacks, Mineral water bottles, softdrinks and refreshments were served from time to time
9. The Pantry guys and the maintenance staffs wont charge any extra money in the name of "bonus" which I have seen being charged in HWH-YPR Duronto
and also in Karnataka Exp(Maintenance staffs) while coming back from Bhopal.
10. Each coupe has its own charging point. Side-lowers and uppers have their separate charging points apart from the bay-berths which have 2 charging
points as usual.
11. Rating --> Food: 9/10 (On board service)
Maintenance: 9.5/10
Staff Behavior: 9/10
Punctuality: ??/10 (What to give if ur train is late by 8hrs due to unavoidable situation)
Speed: 7/10 (For blasting whenever got chance even gettng less priority)
