Mumbai Suburban Trip in One Day Part: - 3.
continuity of part :-1 /blog/post/4164073 & part:-2 /blog/post/4169027
Train:-5-96111 Thane-Karjat Slow.
Rake:-5333-5335-5336-5334.
From:-KOPR to KJT.
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Karjat - Khopoli Shuttle.
Rake:-2129-2131-2132-2130.
From: - KJT to KHPI.
Train:-7-95006 Khopoli-CSMT Fast.
Rake:-2129-2131-2132-2130.
From:-KHPI to KYN.
After getting on-board 5333A karjat local from kopar, Rajesh was already in the coach from thane itself he was seating near the track side window , Even Himanshu took the window seat and both started noting down all the timing , meanwhile Parth & Sahil was standing near the door to capture the crossing , I felt hungry, Removed the snacks from my bag that I carried with me from home, the FC coach had just 8 people, Reached Thakurli at 11:16, just after we departed from Thakurli, BRC WAP-7 30466 with 14805 Yeshvantpur-Barmer ac express crossed, , 1047/48 as badlapur fast overtook our local at Thakurli outer. Wag9 31114 with
12188 Mumbai CSMT - Jabalpur Garib Rath Express, (green locomotive & green rake),

1047/48 as badlapur fast overtook our local at Thakurli outer, Mock rake 4501 was also standing at kalyan, halted kalyan at 11:25 there was a huge crowd for second class, few people also boarded fc later after knowing it was a fc they got down and changed the coach, Even few people boarded fc, departed kalyan at 11:28, karjat – csmt f local was entering kyn pf:-7

Reached vithalwadi at 11:28, departed ta 11:29, The Bombardier rake acceleration was so much better & smooth, even the blowers were kept on, and as it is a winter season, the heat didn’t affected, and cold breeze was flowing. After crossing Ulhasnagar Chennai express with kalyan loco crossed, Reached Ambernath at 11:35, half of the fc got empty, Even the second class was getting empty, Kyn wdg3a 13426 with Chennai express crossed, departed Ambernath at 11:37, Achieved top speed of 105 km/hrs within few minute, a superb acceleration, halted at badlapur outer as BUD – Csmt local had departed, Reached badlapur at 11:43, New led indicator were installed at badlapur station, Departed at 11:45, The old building of Neral is still the same as it was, there were few place dig up , might be for new FOB. Even the iconic locomotive kept near the entrance of the East side is visible from train now. Reached bhivpuri road at 12:06, the csmt end had been dig and new foundation for new Fob work had started, even the ticket counter on the station had been renovated and new led indicator had been installed, loved to see that station developing. Entered karjat at 12:14 the km mark 99/6. 2 Wcam3 21961 & 21945 bankers were standing idle waiting for their duty

We had a buffer time of almost 1 hrs for our next time to Khopoli, we decided to have out lunch at karjat itself as we had less buffer time at Khopoli, we was difficult to go out of station buy food and get in the train in time , so we asked a local guy about the restaurant in and around the station, he told us about 2/3 places near the station, after walking towards the karjat end there was a small Refreshment / restaurant type of small cabin, we asked them at the counter whether it was by Irctc or railway , The guy told it by central railway . After settling down, we asked for the menu, Himanshu had some chikki & sabudana vada, while Sahil had mendu vada & idly Parth had puri bhaji, I & Rajesh had missal pav, followed by cold soft drink, it was a bit hot climate in karjat. We almost finished our lunch by 12:55 still he had 20 mins left so I went near the karjat end of the pf while others were roaming on the csmt end, Brc wap7 30459 with Pune – Nzm duronto express skip karjat at a 12:57 pm , Csmt bound local arrived at pf:-3 it was 2077 Siemens local which was recently Painted in bombardier livery.

Wag9 31408 with concour rake was entering pf:-1 and going into the karjat yard. Our karjat bound local arrived at pf:-4, it had come from Khopoli and was going back to Khopoli itself, as Karjat – Khopoli local. 27400-27110-27118 had come down from the Ghats for their next duty. 2130 was our next local for Khopoli; the fc coach was completely empty only 5 of us were in the coach. Departed Khopoli at 13:15 sharp, ASN Wag 5H 23635 & 23709 with coil rake was standing in kjt yard waiting for starter towards kyn.
There was this board before the train enter the Ghats, 60 Km/hr speed for express trains in down direction, & 55 km/hr speed for all vacuum brake trains

Reached Palashdari at 1:23, had entered the branch line for Khopoli, after departing from Khopoli it was a single line, with absolute block signalling system, only 1 train to enter in entire station. Reached kelavli at 1:28, these are were remote station, only booking cabin were present. The station was well developed with the station height near the footboard. Reached dolavli at 1:30 pm & lowjee at 1:34 between dolavli & lowjee got a wonderful view of the Western Ghats, there was a tsr place of 30 km/hr between lowjee & Khopoli.

Reached Khopoli at 1:42, Railfan Pranit Gawand had come to meet us who stays in Khopoli. We had to change our coach also as we had to catch the connecting train from kalyan for kasara, and we had less change over time. So we went to the second fc of csmt end and at 1:48 the local departed, was glad to see the punctuality so accurate in that section. The fc was occupied by the local college boy who got down at dolavli. We were made to wait at Palashdari as we had to join the mainline and bankers were going towards kjt, kyn wdp4d 40347 with 11075 LTT – bidar express crossed at Palashdari entering the Ghats with Wcam3 21961 And 21886 And at karjat station 16631 Csmt – Tvc express with 21945 27400-27110-27118 as bankers was waiting for starter. Departed karjat at 14:15. Siemens rake 1034 empty rake was going towards lnl for pune service. After departing from Neral Tkd wdg4d 70819 with PQHS crossed. After that we all took a small nap before getting off the local at kalyan. Rajesh woke us up at Ulhasnagar, the local was packed. After departing vithalwadi we decided to go on the door, But you never know how much time you have to wait at kalyan home and get the starter to enter the platform, as Kalyan is always a busy station, but luckily within 30 – 45 sec of halt we were given the single and train departed, making our next changeover which was within 5 min possible. We reached kalyan pf:-6 at 3:05. As soon as train stopped we jumped over and changed our platform and went to pf:-3/4 for our kasara bound local. After changing the platform, buying few snacks for a very long journey 22109 Ltt – NZm ac express arrived kyn.
Dlw wap7 37007 with 22109 Ltt – NZm ac sf express
Next kasara bound journey in next part .

Breif Highlights of a Journey from Chennai Central to Krishnarajapuram, Bengaluru; on board the 17311 Chennai Vasco Express
Link - click here
It was no less than an adventure for me the day this journey had happened! I had to attend a meeting in far off #Chrompet, rushed back to my home by EMU, packed, repeated the same rush to #Chennai #Park, albeit with a friend this time, and thankfully, 2 local changeovers, plenty of brisk paces, cutting through the crowd walks and a fast paced navigation from pf11 to...
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the stalls near pf3 later; I ended up in pf1 in front of my coach; with 2 water bottles, a bottle of Bovonto, a pack of biscuits and 15 mins to spare.
I was to board the 17311 Chennai #Vasco-da-gama Express from Chennai to #Krishnarajapuram. This train used to depart at 13:45 hrs earlier, taking a painful 6:30 hrs just to reach Krishnarajapuram & an hour and a half more to navigate through #Bengaluru suburbs and reach #Yeshvantpur. Now, I could be relieved that I lived in the southeast part of the city, and thus conveniently reach home at least an hour earlier than most of the passengers waiting to alight at Yeshvantpur. Presently this train's slot partner, Chennai #Hubballi Express has been speeded up & converted to a Superfast. Thus the benefit this train reaps - a good schedule between Chennai & Bengaluru.
Due to a slightly tired mind, I pretty much relaxed throughout the journey. And this journey features the bits n pieces i put together, just to keep on record, a journey compilation. It was a magnificent run to say the least, We departed Chennai Central at 15:00 hrs sharp, briskly accelerated and rushed past Suburbs to reach #Arakkonam an hour later. Back then the exit towards #Katpadi was still an S curve with speeds restricted to 30kmph even for non stop trains. The next 65 kms to Katpadi was a breeze of a run, with many intermediate halts of other popular intercity trains skipped at MPS. Under cloudy atmosphere, we pulled into Katpadi Jn. with minimal delay.
The next 84 kms to #Jolarpettai was sluggish to say the least, frequent start stops, slow runs, restrictions on speed etc. We took a leisurely 75 mins to do the stretch, and pulled into pf2 of Jolarpettai bang on time. It was an action packed stay there. We were on pf2. 22618 #Tirupati #KSR Bengaluru Intercity arrived & departed from pf1 in a few mins. The overtake was scheduled to happen. In the meantime, an overtake was happening in the opposite direction as well. #Salem Katpadi MEMU had pulled into pf3, while 12008 #Mysuru Chennai #Shatabdi express made a slow skip through pf4. Minutes after the Shatabdi passed, we too pulled out. Those who come to Jolarpettai, do try their Aloo Cabbage #Samosa, sold by platform vendors. It is usually oily, a total no from health freaks, but for the once in a blue moon occasion, it should do no harm for your tummy.
The twilight run in the ghats was uneventful, we breezed through #Kuppam once we came out of it. After a quick stop at #Bangarpet, we entered a section of uninterrupted MPS run all the way to the outer of Krishnarajapuram Station. The AJJ WAP1 heading us barreled ahead at MPS, trailing the Tirupati Intercity as closely as possible. High rise buildings began appearing closer to the tracks as we crossed #Whitefield. It was time for me to get my bags and move to the door. The advantage of this train compared to the #Lalbagh Express & Chennai Bengaluru express - it can accommodate only 72 reserved passengers per coach; lesser competition to deal with while making one's way to the door. In fact i even acted as a guide for some people at the door, unsure of where they should get down to reach their area; thus gleefully claiming my authority over the door.
We literally cruised into pf4 of Krishnarajapuram, at 20:15 hrs; just delayed by 7 mins. Going by timings (mentioned in the end of the video); this train and its slot partner feature in the top 5 quickest trains to Krishnarajapuram from Chennai. Do give it a try, less halts, less crowd, it is a peaceful journey.
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Presenting a Full Journey compilation in 12079 Bengaluru Hubballi Janshatabdi Express | Coverage of the journey by the fastest train between the 2 cities
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Did you see this video of the Journey by the Chalukya Express from Dadar to Yeshvantpur?
Check it out here - click here
A couple of days before that Journey, I was supposed to board the 16515 Yeshvantpur Karwar Intercity Express to ride through the Shiradi Ghats to Mangaluru. From there, a Konkan voyage would by the Netravati Express would have taken me to Panvel, and finally the Pragati Express to Pune. Well, initially, this was the plan, but later on; a sharp spell of intense rains drowned many parts of Konkan Railways & also Mangaluru City. Fearing that I might get stranded somewhere in the middle of my Journey; with nowhere to go, I re planned my Journey, by taking a rather straight route to Pune, the first part of which involved a ride in the Janshatabdi express from Bengaluru to Hubballi.
This straight route plan ensured that I reached on the morning of May 31; instead of the evening, as per the previous plan. I hired a cab in the wee hours of May 30, and landed at KSR Bengaluru at 05:15 hrs, with my Janshatabdi scheduled to depart at 06:00 hrs. KJM WDM3A 16862R which was to haul my train that day, also shunted in the rake. The coach was neat and clean, and my Journey began on the dot at 06:00 hrs. After a smooth skip of Malleswaram, we reached our first halt - Yeshvantpur Jn. Just a couple of minutes later, we were on our way, dashing towards the next halt - Tumkur, where we spotted the Fast Passenger to Bengaluru & also waited for the crossing of the Arsikere Bengaluru Passenger.
The Janshatabdi then hurried through the Single line section towards Arsikere; and barring a loop line skip at Ammasandra and a few speed restrictions, we ran pretty much uninterrupted. Reaching Arsikere, we encountered the Shivamogga Bengaluru Intercity led by UBL WDP4B. After missing the Thatte Idlies at Tumkur, I made sure to grab a plate of crispy vadas at Arsikere. Then it was a brisk run up to Birur, where we crossed the Talguppa Mysuru Passenger led by a KJM WDP4. At Birur, the lines to Shivamogga bifurcated from the Hubballi bound lines.
The brisk run continued up to Chikjajur Jn.; in a small confusion I missed the Palace Queen Humsafar Express crossing. Following this, the Siddhaganga Intercity crossed at Shivani. Post Chikjajur, it was single line all the way up to Hubballi Jn. At Davangere we met the Vishwamanava Express bound for Mysuru. In the brief 2 mins, I searched for the famous Benne Masala Dosa, but couldn't find any vendor near my coach. After Harihar, we crossed the Tungabhadra River. The soil colour slowly changed to Black and the sun finally started burning down upon us. As the temperature soared, we steadily made our way to Hubballi.
After overtaking the Manuguru Kolhapur Express at Hubballi outer, we made our way into pf1, right on time, meeting the Amaravati Express to Vijayawada on pf2. It was a whirlwind of a Journey, and the run was just brilliant. I would highly recommend this train for anyone who wants a brisk run from Bengaluru to Hubballi.
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Crossings featured in this video: -
20652 Shivamogga Town Bengaluru Intercity
56275 Talguppa Mysuru Passenger (wrongly mentioned as Shivamogga Mysuru Passenger in video)
12726 Siddhaganga Intercity Express
17325 Vishwamanava Express
Also includes spotting of 11303 Manuguru Kolhapur Express & the 17226 Hubballi Vijayawada Amaravati Express.
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Thanks for watching folks. Let me know of any errors in the video or if you have any suggestions for me. Please put them down in the comments section.

A #Train #Journey compilation in #12124 #Deccanqueen #Express from #Pune to #Mumbai | Coverage of the magnificent #Bhorghats also included.
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June 01, 2018. Just like every year, this year too the Birthday of the Deccan Queen Express was going to be celebrated in the two cities of Mumbai & Pune. The Queen completed her 88th year of Commercial service this year. And I had missed many a chance to be part of this event previously. This year i decided to make it. So a plan was hatched, and things were going smoothly. Well, almost smoothly, for just a couple of days prior to the beginning of my Journey, the #Malabar & #Konkan coasts were lashed out with heavy rains. And many trains were stranded here and there; ending up late in their destinations. My elaborate plan included taking a train to #Mangaluru via the #Subramanyaghats, and boarding the Netravati Express to #Panvel from there. From Panvel, the idea was to board the Pragati Express to Pune; thus covering two new routes, Panvel - Karjat & Yeshvantpur #Hassan Mangaluru.
But fate had other ideas. Fearing that I would get stuck somewhere in between, without anywhere to go, i abandoned the Konkan route, and booked myself a ticket in the Janshatabdi Express to #Hubli the same day that I was supposed to board the Intercity to Mangaluru, i.e. May 30th. On the same day, a friend helped me get a ticket to Pune in the #Goa Link Express from Hubli. Thus, I got to see the elaborate shunting circus that happens every day in #Londa to couple this small link to the main rake coming from #Vasco. This sudden change in plans ensured I reached Pune on 31st morning itself. Thankfully, a couple of friends also arrived from #Chennai & all 3 of us landed in another friend's house for accommodation.
The following day, after some initial hiccups, we reached Pune Jn. at 07:00 hrs, just in time for witnessing our power - AJNI WAP7 30467 getting all decked up and ready to haul us to Mumbai. This provided with some excitement for the day, which was otherwise one with mixed feelings for me. The #Diningcar was absent due to being sent for overhaul. And adding insult to the injury, it was added the very same evening from Mumbai for the return, which I ultimately couldn't capture due to some storage issue in my Phone. But it was all a part of the game.
We departed Pune bang on time at 07:15 hrs, and rolled along quite nicely till Lonavala. A loop line treatment at #Khadki & speed restriction saw us reach 10 mins late. Meanwhile, the #Indrayani Express crossed us just before Lonavala, hauled by its usual link, a Pune ALCo. After a 2 min halt, we slipped out of Lonavala, beginning our descent into the Bhor ghats. The Rain gods weren't kind enough that day, and the season hadn't quite set in yet, so all we could get was a view of the magnificent albeit dry ghat section. Mumbai Pune Intercity SF, which back then was running with ICF coaches crossed at #Monkeyhill, followed by #MumbaiLTT #Visakhapatnam Express at Thakurwadi. #Deccan Express crossed just before #Palasdhari. We literally crawled through Karjat, and due to increasing heat, I went in for some time, to enjoy the Breakfast.
A Couple of friends waved at us at Ambernath & Vithalwadi, while on their way to Office. #Kolhapur bound Koyna Express crossed at #Kalyan outer, and after a painfully long wait, we were cleared to enter & skip Kalyan Jn; following which the #Ernakulam bound Mangala Lakshadweep Express was overtaken. While we were already delayed by close to 45mins by this time, trailing a Mumbai CST bound fast local didn't help much. We lost further time, reaching Dadar, a good 70 mins late. After a sedate run, we finally pulled into pf12 of Mumbai CSMT at 11:30, delayed by an hour and 5 mins. But still, it was an enjoyable ride. A lot of #Railfans had gathered at CSMT to get a glimpse of the train. And after a tiring ride, the three of us went up to our dormitory & settled down for some time before heading out for lunch.
Hope you enjoyed the ride along with me. Thanks for watching
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My first Deccan Queen Journey way back in June 2015 - click here
Crossings featured in the Compilation include:-
Mumbai Pune Indrayani Express
Mumbai Pune Intercity Superfast Express
Mumbai LTT Visakhapatnam Express
Mumbai Pune Deccan Express
Mumbai Kolhapur Koyna Express;
along with a Special spotting of a Humsafar rake in Khadki & the chase of the Mangala Lakshadweep Express.
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A Full Journey Vlog of a #train #Journey - #Bengaluru to #Madurai via #Palakkad
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This Journey Happened in March 2018. During the onset of Summer, I embarked on a rather long journey from #Bengaluru to #Chennai, via #Palakkad & #Madurai. On a Saturday evening, I left for Carmelram Railway station, to board the 16527 #Yeshvantpur #Kannur Express, which was hauled by an #Erode WDM-3D that day. The rains were consistently pouring down that evening, and there was respite only for a brief period when my train arrived and we departed. By the time we crossed over the state border and reached Hosur, we were already delayed by more than 30 mins. And it didn't end there. With the rains pouring down consistently, I didn't stay up late. With some hope that we will cover up the delay, I called it a day and slept, for I had to wake up the following morning for a 04:40 hrs arrival at #Palakkad.
But when I did wake up to my alarm, I realized that we were nowhere close to gaining up on the previous night's delay, but were in fact delayed further. We pulled into #Coimbatore at 04:50hrs, delayed by 1.5 hrs. And with the little bit of slack in the schedule, we managed to reach Palakkad just at the crack of dawn, at 06:00 am. A Friend and local resident, Avinash Venkitachalam had come down to meet me at those early hours, and we had breakfast a local eatery. My connecting train was the newly extended #Amrita Express to #Madurai via #Pollachi, #Palani & #Dindigul. The train which used to terminate at Palakkad Town earlier was extended to Madurai after the gauge conversion of the Palakkad Town - Dindigul line.
The train had a history of running late and that day was no different. Coming from #Thiruvananthapuam, the train reverses twice in its run, once at #Shoranur, where the slip coaches to #Nilambur (#Rajyarani Express) get dropped off, and the second time at Palakkad Jn., the train pulled in slowly at 08:15, and after a loco reversal, the rebuilt WDM-3A from #Ernakulam shed, pulled us out at 08:48 hrs, nearly 80 mins behind schedule. But with the enormous slack thrust into the schedule, I was hopeful that we will make up for it.
And sure enough, the delay went down slowly. At Minatchipuram, we crossed the Chennai Palakkad Express via Palani. The train was originally running up to Palani, but with gauge conversion was extended to Palakkad. After Minatchipuram, we crossed over the border and entered Tamilnadu. Our first commercial halt was at Pollachi. Post Pollachi Jn., we crossed a beautiful stretch, where in both sides of the track was laced with an array of wind turbines, which was probably handled by a firm in Pollachi.
We then set onwards to our next halt, #Palani, which is one of the 6 heavenly abodes in #Tamilnadu dedicated to Lord Murugan. The station has a really good view of the temple on top of the hill. The Palani hills gave us company for the next few kms. Though it was early Summer, the heat was beating down upon us relentlessly. Dindigul Jn. the convergence of 4 lines, one each from #Trichy, #Karur, Pakkad & Madurai.
The alignment of tracks from Dindigul till #Kodaikkanal road was normal, from where the up line crossed over on top and went to the left, thus making it look like the trains are moving tracks opposite to the usual convention of keeping left. This is the reason of the two crossings of #17616 Madurai #Kacheguda Express & #Guruvayur #Chennai Egmore Express appearing on the left. We moved along briskly and reached Madurai at 13:40 hrs, delayed by 30 mins, thus gaining about 50 mins from the delay with which departed from Palakkad. It was curtains down on the first part of an exciting journey which I undertook.
Also, this was the first time I attempted to do a #Train #Journey #Vlog in #Tamil. So, with the hope that you all enjoyed it, I leave you to watch the video. For people who don't understand Tamil, I have added Subtitles in English. Do let me know your opinion and if you have any questions, put it down in the comments section. Thanks for Watching
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The only major river featured in this Video is the Vaigai, apart from the Kannadi. And a few canals too were crossed, but most of them were pretty dry.
Featured crossings listed in the order of their appearance:
- 22852 Mangaluru Santragachi Vivek Express
- 22651 Chennai Palani Palakkad Express
- 06710 Palani Coimbatore Passenger Spl
- 17616 Madurai Kacheguda Express
- 16128/16130 Guruvayur/Tuticorin Chennai Egmore Express