**************A trip in IR's legend after 15 years**************
Disclaimer:: Long write-up ahead. Excitement or thrill may not be guaranteed…..
Planned vacation to Himachal Pradesh had made way for a much needed disconnect from virtual and corporate world as well as IRI. The excitement of the scheduled travel in the legendary TN after 15 years had just started to tickle in as I reached DEE from PTKC on Sep-9 by UHP AC Exp. Expecting a swarm of mosquitoes at DEE, I had to contend with a swarm of autowalas outside as I slowly stepped...
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out trying to figure out a way to reach NDLS. Checked Uber app quickly to find a cab available and reached NDLS by 4.30AM. Had booked the Executive Lounge from 7-10AM, so had enough time to do some RF until I get a chance for some rest. JAT Raj was among the early morning arrivals and soon almost all the PFs started to see activity as Punjab Mail, Pathankot exp were stationed on adjacent PFs. BPL Shatabdi was brought into PF1 and departed on time with P5 in lead while AII Shatabdi was waiting for its starter on PF2. Hunger started to kick in and thought it was better to check into the lounge early to satisfy the bowel. Sensing the ticket checker may not accept the Lounge booking, got a PF ticket from PF1 and slowly walked on the FOB to find the ticket checker near PF16. Had some trouble finding the Lounge as no vendor seemed to have a clue on its location. Finally traced the Lounge and settled in after the payment for breakfast and bath. Had a relaxing time for the next 3 hours before getting ready for a walk/Metro ride around Delhi. Breaking my head trying to figure out a way to kill time before returning to NDLS, roamed around Delhi for the next 5 hours only to realize the increase in tiredness due to variety of factors like Delhi heat, lot of travel over the course of the week etc. Returned back to NDLS’ lounge to take some rest before checking out the departures of the 2 Raj’s at 16.25. But the tiredness meant that I stayed put on the cozy reclining sofa at the lounge with the Air Conditioning in full effect. Bid goodbye to the lounge as the clock struck 6 to grab some snacks at the Haldiram’s at Connaught Place. Just as I entered NDLS PF1, Malwa express had pulled into PF3 with GZB WAP4 in lead. Departures from PF3 post dusk were in the order: GT-->Malwa-->KK-->TN and you probably will now realize why Malwa’s name is being mentioned here. Disappointment of missing the sight of GT’s departure by around 10 mins slowly started to go away as the other PFs were bustling with activity as several Bihar, UP bound trains were stationed and all those trains were packed. Wait, talking about Bihar bound trains, did I fail to mention the sighting of the race bloggers’ delight- the SK?! Hmmm, I did spot it stationed on PF16 with a P4 in lead and honestly did not get excited as I do not follow SK much (sorry if this has hurt SK fans)…………….To be contd.