*** BIRTHDAY SPECIAL ***
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I am Duronto - H. Nizamuddin - Pune - H. Nizamuddin Duronto. A species of homo sapiens called railfans have given me many names. I have a plethora of sobriquets to my credit, some of which being Pune Rajdhani, Rajonto, Mismatch ka Baap, King of Mismatch and so on. The list goes on and on and on. I reside in Delhi at Hazrat Nizamuddin and my residence is controlled by NR.
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I belong to a peculiar species of trains, the brainchild of Mamata Didi. Me and my brothers are renowned for our restless nature, fury, aggression and speed. We take pride in saying that people compare us with the class and categories of our elder sisters Rajdhani and Shatabdi.
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I love to run, because we the Duronto family are meant to run and run fast, so much that we could give USAIN BOLT a run for his money. I like to burn tracks and aggressively fly past stations at what they call MPS or something. Nothing hinders me, no one dares to come in my way. Along the route, I love people both children and elders alike looking at me in excitement. I love the gaze and admiration in their eyes, the happiness of little kids waving their hands at me and most lovingly these railfan guys who battle many fronts just for a single snap or a vid of me. I feel as if I am a SUPERSTAR going for OSCAR AWARDS and the track is a RED CARPET. I’m lovin’ it!!
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My brothers are running in various parts all across India, some run faster than me, some run slower than me. A few of my brothers are Superhit with public as I am while a few aren’t. It really pains me when someone calls my brother a WHITE ELEPHANT. I feel we are like the WHITE HORSE - UNICORN, who loves flying.
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Today, I cut my 4th Birthday Cake. I myself cannot believe it that I have turned 4 years old. These 4 years have been wonderful, I have been carrying loads and loads of peoples back and forth. I take immense pride that I am the only dedicated and fastest connection between two very important cities, so much that people want me to run daily. Over these 4 years, I have seen so many people from diverse cultural, educational and occupational backgrounds. Be it businessmen, or politicians going to the Capital or students coming to Pune for higher education, families going for vacation, etc. etc. I have seen it all. They love me and I love them.
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I get many chariots for my run, the versatile KYN WCAM-2P upto BRC and then a white stallion of new generation called GZB WAP-5. I feel so happy when I see the legendary 21861 WCAM-2P BALWANT as my chariot, who has hauled my elder sisters Mumbai Rajdhani and August Kranti Rajdhani. I bow down in respect. I have a welcome drink after departing Pune and then I have lunch somewhere after Kalyan. At BRC, I get to rest for a bit; its time to get a fresh new chariot for a more aggressive run. I profusely thank KYN 2P and welcome my home-zone chariot GZB P5 with open arms. At the stroke of around 18.30, after a stomach full of evening snacks consisting of Samosas, Sandwiches and Fruit Drinks, I am ready to fly again. My chariot is known for its speed and aggression like me and together we make a fine pair. I get some fancy named chariots Navodit, Navjagran, Vijay Utkarsh and what not. How badly I wish I had one beautiful name like them... I have dinner somewhere before Ratlam. At Ratlam, I never miss to munch on my favourite Ratlami Sev. The running continues all night and being 2 days away from home makes me homesick so I run faster destroying whatever comes in my way, so fast that many times I am home before time. After a successful journey to West India, its time for a couple of days rest and I rest peacefully at NZM Yard.
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These 4 years have been very satisfying and full of contentment. But no person in this world is happy. I am not an exception either. There is always dark cloud amongst a few white ones. I feel I am neglected. My body is showing signs of ageing at a very early age. My skin has started peeling and I have lost my original colour. I have tears in my eyes when I see my younger brothers getting brand new clothes from RCF Mall in Kapurthala. They are my brothers and I am happy for them they get these brand new clothes. But what about me? Am I lesser or an underperformer? No Way.
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The festive season is just round the corner and I sincerely hope atleast this Diwali, I will get brand new set of clothes. Positively, I am always praying that a day will come when I get an image makeover. Some of my railfan friends say that I should change my home to CR - Pune, which could be a blessing for me. Let's see, I am keeping my fingers crossed...
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Friends, I have to and I will keep performing with the hope that my prayers will be answered soon. Keep loving and praying for me the way you have for these 4 years. Keep showering me with your love and blessings always, for its only your love that I have ignored the material pleasures of LHB coaches. Take care everyone, Stay clear of the tracks, stay safe and enjoy your railfanning. Here I comee...... VROOOOMMMM!!
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Yours’ Lovingly,
H. Nizamuddin - Pune - H. Nizamuddin AC Duronto Express.
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Pics: Taken by Self.
