Travel story.
Mumbai-Mysore Sharavati Express
So after much planning months before where would our new trip be,it was decided we would be to Mysore.Tickets were booked 2 months in advance as getting a confirmed ticket in India seems to be an tough thing than getting into IIT'S.We are a family of three and so we mostly book for a 2-tier.Tickets were confirmed and I was a bit dis-appointed as our seats were I guess 2,4,6 which meant we had to suffer the nuisance of the door.But my excitement over-shadowed this thing.
Day...
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of journey finally arrived.We booked a cab from our place and through the Eastern Express highway we were at Dadar station within 15 minutes at 7.45pm...We had some snacks in a nearby restaurant.We made our way to the terminus and I could spot our train waiting at pf-8.
Security checking were completed and our A-1 coach was I guess 3rd from the Loco.We took a long walk till we reached our bogie overtaking all the sleeper and two 3-tier coaches.The coach was locked from inside.An attendant unlocked it in 10 minutes.We placed our luggage and I was out for a stroll as we still had 45 minutes for departure.I saw Cst-Howrah mail leaving pf-5 and many crowded Mumbai locals.At around 9.15 I saw Nagarcoil -Mumbai entering pf-6..I saw the loco being attached and I was expecting a WCAM-3 but it was a WCAM-2P..It was just 5 minutes to go when I went to my compartment.With a customary honking and slight jerk,we were off.
Our coach was quite old and seemed to be running beyond its expiry..And the crackling sound from the AC unit meant it was going to be an irritating night.After leaving Dadar we were given a brief halt till we took the mail line.Once we were on the main line,stations briskly passed by till we reached Kalyan.I got to find out from the TC that berth 3 was going to be allotted at Pune so now as a rail enthusiast I occupied the berth but I wasn't able to see through the tinted glass.We were running late by 10 minutes till Kalyan and covered up by Karjat.Me and Baba got down at Karjat to breath some fresh air..After the bankers were attached,we left for our next stop.The speed in the ghats was restricted to 40kmph.. We reached Lonavala at scheduled time.Till now more than half of coach was asleep.Lonavala to pune was again a swift drive.We reached Pune at sharp 00.54.It was loco change time from Electric to Diesel..I was standing at the door and Pune was bust even in that cold night..I heard the announcement of Hussain Sagar express arriving shortly.After a 20 minute halt we left Pune and it was time for bed.
As i said the crackling of the AC unit did irritate me,but I had good sleep for that night.
I Woke up at Miraj and steeped out..The temperature was quite cold.I again went in and had nap getting up again just before Belgaum.Morning chores were done and we got into Belgaum for a 2 minute halt.Here the cleaning staff was in.The coach was cleaned.Almost everyone was off their bed.Londa arrived at 10.15 which meant we were late by 30 minutes nearly.The next prominent halt was Hubli junction.The stations between were not that big and commuted for the locals.Till Hubli we were running at an average speed.Hubli arrived and we filled our stomachs here with light snack.Our coach was way ahead from the stalls.Being a Junction,water was filled here.Here I was able to see our Diesel captain WDM 3a.More than half the compartment got empty here.Now I was able to grab the Side lower seat. After a halt of around 15 minutes,we were off.After just a short distance,we were given a red at Hubli South.Baba asked a vendor about the Aiyyapa community and about their festival which was going on that time..The vendor was polite enough to solve the query of my Baba.He also told us that the train halted here daily for around 20-30 minutes as there were 2 crossings.I witnessed both the crossings by 2 trains hauled by WDM-3a.We left that deserted station and speed was much more faster than before.All stations were passing by and we had an halt after ever 30 minutes.Davengere arrived at around 15.45 and that was a much crowded station.As we left Davengere,I could see couple of movie theater from the door.It was getting dark.
Davangere to Birur was a long leg with a running time of 1hr 30 minutes.I could see the construction of another line.I could also see Bangalore Hubli passenger crossing us.
Arsikere arrived at 18.45,late by 45 minutes.We had a halt of 15 minutes and it was tea time.I was at the door.I could spot a light and after sometime a WDP-4 loco entered hauling a freight train.
We left Arsikere and I heard two Railway officers saying that we would mostly reach by a delay of 30 minutes.We got into chat with the coach attendant and he told us that this train ran as Mysore-Renigunta express but due to low occupancy,the route was changed.Met a passenger train at Hole Narsingpur but due to low ligh wasn't able to spot the name board.Hole Narsinghpur to Krishnarajanagara was filled with signals.We got into a deserted station at around 21.00..I went to the door and it was Krishnarajanagara.No lights,not bulbs on the station with just a single pf.An hour to go now.
We quickly relocated our scattered things and were chatting with our co-passenger,a dadi who gave us information about Mysore the entire journey.
The train slowed in,tracks started to split,from one to two and two to four.Lights were visible through the tinted window.We chugged into the platform at sharp 22.20,late by almost 40 minutes.
Observations
1.New coaches required
2.PC very much needed
3.To much slack due to single route.
4.Tickets easily available after Hubli.
Return journey from Coimbatore to Mumbai will be posted soon.
For any queries,you can ask me below.