I had travelled in this train on Saturday 26th January from BZA to SC in CE1.
On that day, there were only 4 AC Chair car coaches(C1,C2,C3 and CE1) instead of the regular 5 coaches. Post GNT, the coach got packed to capacity.
Topmost priority was accorded to this train, and all the incoming trains were looped in to allow this train to pass thru. We reached SC around 5 minutes before time.
Regular...
more...

OBHS was being carried out, with the attendant collecting the trash from the pax, everytime the catering vendor served foodstuff/drinks in the coach.
Regarding catering, Tea/Coffee (1 time), Tomato Soup (2 times - 20 Rs/cup), Onion Samosa (20 Rs/plate), Veg/egg Biryani and Chapati Bhaji(Rs 50/- per plate) were served enroute. Its better to purchase Veg/Egg Biryani or Chapati Bhaji, as nothing else is served later, and you would have to wait till SC for food.
Overall a fantastic train to travel in, and the Nalgonda skip at top speed is a sight worth watching.

Travelled on this train on the 29th of Jan from Telibandha to Abhanpur Jn. Ticket is Rs 10/-; good to see the cardboard tickets. The rake comes in from Raipur city side - around 5 coaches in the rake. Pretty well patronized due to the low fares. This is a dead straight line, with one gently curve towards the left as you approach Abhanpur Jn. Train stops in front of every LC, and a flag man holds the traffic while the train clears the LC< and waits for the flag staff to hop on board again.
At abhanpur, the inbound service from Rajim waits for this train, and there is also an outbound service from Abhanpur to Rajim. So, all the...
more...

three tracks are occupied, when the train pulls in. Abhanpur Jn is a pretty little station with a quaint atmosphere and lots of trees around.
Travel in the NG is a welcome break with all the clickety clack and the slow pace. Loco was a ZDM 4A.

Travelled in this train on 25th Jan from HWH to VSKP in 2A. Ours was a SER coach 05 make with no plug points anywhere in the coach! That's ridiculous given the fact that even SL coaches has charging points in every bay! Tweeted RailMinIndia, and got stock answers. OBHS in 2A was provided, coach was kept clean.
SL in this train is horribly crowded as TTEs in SC get hold of General ticket holders, write an Extra Fare ticket and huddle them into SL coaches. As result Falaknuma SL coaches are perennially crowded. Avoid SL if possible. Pantry car was OK - do be on your guard if the bearer charges you Rs 10/- per cup of coffee or tea....
more...

Standard PC rates are Rs 7/- and you should not pay a Rupee more that 7.
We were close to 45 minutes late by the time we departed BZA behind a LGD WAP7, and reached 10 minutes ahead of schedule at VSKP, thanks to an amazing run by the WAP7.

Travelled in this train from VSKP to DURG on 26th Jan in SL. From a general rail fanning perspective, this is a good train to travel, in SL class in Winter months. Post Rayagada, the scenery turns interesting with a thick shrubbery and hills running parallel in the vicinity. Post Titlagarh, this is a single line unelectrified section with Multi Aspect Lower Quadrant Signalling. The alignment passes thru remote areas such as Norla rd, Rupra Rd et al, and the run is good.
Coming to food, the PC is just about adequate - Tomato Soup is served only before dinner, somewhere before DURG. You get the regular Tea, Coffee, water bottles cool drinks et al. Of course, the PC staff is handsomely...
more...

complimented by the local vendors selling Jhal muri, Masala Channa, Banana, Mosambi et al.
Coach condition was OK- charging points were not available in the bays - only available at the coach entrance.
Coming to loco power - VSKP Twin Alcos till R and then ET WAM4 till NGP.
Overall a nice journey..