Happy New Year 2014.

Wishing you all a very happy new year 2014.

And there she comes- the Majestic Primo Supremo!!!

Rajdhani Express

Northbound Primo Supremo gears up for deceleration to follow PSR of 90 KMPH at Raigir.

Twenty Thirteen in Twelve to Thirteen.

Now that 2013 is coming to an end- I've decided to pen down all of my 2013 experiences. How do I start off- my 2013 began in a train hauled by an EMD as I woke up from side lower berth at 2:00. It was near Giddaluru and I had to rush back to Hyderabad on an emergency note. Yes, first one and half week of 2013 was in complete tension mode as I was roaming around hospitals for my close relative. Then I probably had few mesmerizing days in my life as I've been to namesake Industrial tour, with 7 of my batch mates. Taj Mahal is obviously the first place to visit and yes- it is one of the best places I've ever visited. Followed by Delhi- Shimla. Kufri peak was equally good, and those moments I cannot forget in my life. River rafting at negative temperatures and entering the place with negative temperatures with totally wet body- probably that is one night I can never forget. Special thanks to Bhanu Chander Rao, who came out in chilling temperature of -8* so that I could capture my "Sleeping Manali" picture, which is one for the keeps. I saw people drive cars in frozen roads. I did experience what is "Paragliding". I experienced negative temperatures, I experienced "getting Delayed due to fog". I learnt numerous things which I never knew.

I learnt to accept the things, especially taking bus over train. I met new people, I met #BadeLog. I traveled in Godavari Express. I touched a three day old baby. I experienced a three day old baby holding my index finger. I got learnt how to drive car in traffic. I got ten out of ten correct in Learners Licence test. I listened to Tum Hi Ho- which is easily the best song of the year 2013. I listened to most energetic song of 2013- Balam Pichkari. I danced to one of the catchy beats- Badtameez Dil. I went to Sunrisers Hyderabad v Royal Challengers Bangalore- I witnessed Super Over in a Cricket Match. I canceled my travel along with family members in my favorite- for examinations which I never knew I'd bunk. I struggled with JNTU- twice, as usual. I wrote with one of the best pens ever- Cello Accugrip- thanks to Sree Ram Sarma for forgetting it in my bag. I went on a long drive with my close friends. I ate Paradise Biryani. I ate Paradise Biryani twice.

I visited new places, places which I dreamt of visiting. I visited Dudhsagar Waterfalls. I visited Suravali. I stepped into Goa. I saw Five EMD locos together roaring loud. I personally met many new people whom I dreamt of meeting. I saw WDG4's going through the viaduct (Bridge) in front of the Mighty Dudhsagar Waterfalls. I saw Amaravathi Express from Dudhsagar View point. I trekked for 5.4 KMs in thick forest amidst Western Ghats in heavy rain. I saw India winning Champions Trophy.

I experienced a small kid identifying me after three months. I traveled in Vishakapatnam Secunderabad Duronto Express. I traveled in Secunderabad Lokmanya Tilak Duronto Express. I traveled in all three Duronto Expresses of South Central Railways. I traveled in state of art Apartment on wheels- Double Decker Express. I experienced Bhor Ghats. I put my foot in the land of Narendra Modi. I saw Sabarmathi Locomotive.

I failed in two wheeler driving test and passed four wheeler driving test. I passed the two wheeler and I got my licence. I drove my car without any "L Board" legally. I drove my family to movie.

I experienced betrayal. I experienced biased-ness. I learnt new lessons. I came to know I could drive bike for 15 KMs next day morning at 7 AM by sleeping at 3AM. I experienced loneliness. I learnt to keep secrets for myself. I learnt to digest truth irrespective of how hot my ears get after coming to know them. I understood what is true love. I understood how everything goes in society.

I visited Raigir. I visited Raigir twice. I visited Raigir for third time. I visited Raigir for the fourth time. I went to Odela. I went to Shirdi. I traveled in Aurangabad Jan Shatabdi. I Experienced Kasra Ghats. I experienced Mother of Catch Sidings. I saw Marine Drive. I saw Chhatrapathi Shivaji Terminus Mumbai Main Entrance. I entered into it from main entrance. I traveled in Queen of Indian Railways- Deccan Queen. I experienced Dining Car of Indian Railways amidst Bhor Ghats. I traveled in Pune-Secunderabad Shatabdi- ICF coaches.

I celebrated Vinayaka Chavithi. I clicked a photo for 8 seconds and got expected result. I studied for my examinations. I experienced people change. I got messages which changed me. I talked to a friend who I thought I would never talk. I talked with a friend- once for who I was ready to give away my life. I felt sad for my decisions. I feared love. I tried to do something just because I said I would do. I booked ticket in Rajdhani Express by saving money by skipping evening snacks. I saw Bangalore Rajdhani Express getting a WDP4 from Krishnarajapuram. I fought with Murthy for trains and locos.

I wished one of my close friends birthday for one full month. I wished happy birthday in all possible ways with which they could be happy. I heard "Roar" by Katy Perry.

I booked my ticket in Rajdhani Express. I got my ticket confirmed from RAC 6. I traveled in Rajdhani Express. I got my friends with whom I discuss railways at the railway station when I am boarding my favorite train. I experienced Makali Ghats in Rajdhani Express powered by WDP4. I ate CTR butter Dosa I met new people. I went to Tiruchchirappalli. I met many more new people. I attended a Christian marriage. I saw Rockfirt Temple. I ate onion roast on a banana leaf. I saw Baiyappanahalli. I saw Soldevanahalli. I clicked photos. I traveled in one of the most Jaffa Trains ever- 15016 Yesvantpur-Gorakhpur Express. I saw my childhood place from train.

I got special compliments for my photography. I got a sorry from someone who I never expected to realize their mistake, although it was committed without their knowledge and eventually cried for them. I felt special due to them. I felt happy because someone said all the things I wanted to hear from them. I lied and took my 14 years old "about to be scrapped" Omni to Secunderabad at night 21:00 to receive the eldest person of my family. I got appreciated for my driving and risking.

I am definitely better person than what I was. I learnt many new things. I learnt how to cool down my ears when I hear something unexpected and shocking. I hope 2014 will give me many more experiences.

PS: I will be doing my 20,000 KMs on rail by tomorrow.

The Rajdhani Loco

The Rajdhani Loco

The customary reversal of loco for the Rajdhani Express- happens every day. And On that day, it was none other than
Krishna Rajapuram WDP4 #20040.

Madgaon-Mumbai Konkan Kanya Express

10112 Konkan Kanya Express

Mumbai bound Konkan Kanya Express

Starts at Madgaon: 18:00

Reaches Mumbai: 05:50

Travel Time: 11h 50m

Halts: 18

Distance: 580 km

Avg Speed: 49 km/hr

Rake Sharing with 10103/4 Mandovi Express.

WDM 3A, Shunting Loco, WDP4D, WDG3A Stand Together.

WDM 3A, Shunting Loco, WDP4D, WDG3A Stand Together.

Guntakal Rebuilt WDM3A, Kazipet Derated Loco, Gooty WDP4D and Kazipet WDG3A form loco line up
at Kacheguda.

Pune Secunderabad Shatabdi Express.

PUNE- SECUNDERABAD SHATABDI EXPRESS

12025 Pune-Secunderabad Shatabdi Express gets a seldom Danger!

Pune Departure Time: 05:50

Secunderabad Arrival: 14:20

Travel Time: 8h 30m

Halts: 6

Distance: 597 km

Avg Speed: 70 km/hr

EMD vs ALCo!

EMD v ALCo

Overworked Krishnarajapuram WDP4 #20045 takes a nap along with localite
Kalyan WDM3A #16522R at Chhatrapathi Shivaji Terminus Mumbai.

Siddhaganga Intercity Express

Siddhaganga Intercity Express

Krishnarajapuram WDP4B #40036 pulls the Bangalore City bound 12726
"Siddhaganga Intercity Express" at Soldevanahalli Curve.

Departs Dharwad: 05:15

Reaches Bangalore: 14:05

Travel Time: 8h 50m   

Halts: 13

Distance: 490 km

Avg Speed: 55 km/hr

Oh dear- this is like cutting legs after learning to walk!

With the confidence that you would support me, with the confidence that you would never let me and my decisions down, I stepped into no mans land. Yes it was full competition out there- competition in all sorts of fields. I want to top in one. I desperately want to top in one. You say all that you support me. You say all that you would love to see me achieve my dreams. And you support upto some extent like how you said.

I built dreams, I hoped for many things, I planned many things- I spent my time to build my character. Yes I am totally into it- and finally when the time arrives when I need to enter that phase- why do you feel uncomfortable? When you knew you would feel uncomfortable, why did you comfort me with a lie? I could have taken bitter truth- but this is now breaking my legs once I learnt how to walk.

If you had so problem in me being in that field, you could have stopped me from entering into those dreams. I seriously do not know what do I do now. There are untold tears, which will never see a day light, and do you even know the pain of having them? This is more like back stabbing, where you will accept for everything and not accept in real.

Why do you boast about my interest in that field among all when you actually do not like it? And why did you comfort me by accepting what all I've requested? Why did you make me feel whatever I am doing- I was correct?

This is like sleeping on gravel bed, the numbness at mouth and tears which flow from eyes as soon as the child falls from swing and the swing pad hits him from the back- totally unexpectedly. This is like putting sword straight on to the heart, and rotating it about its own axis. The stomach shows its uneasiness due to this, the head gets attacked by imaginary needles all of a sudden.

I don't care what others think of it and I don't even give a damn on what they actually speak about me. All I am concerned is about you, me and my dreams.

Independence is all I ask, is it too much to get?

Most Awaited Train Journey.

Ever since I started visiting Secunderabad Railway Station solely for the purpose of watching the trains, one train in particular was attracting me like no other one. Every time I got a chance to travel in train- I saw if that particular train is having halt at my destination. If so, check the availability. If it is available, book the ticket.

But somehow, the travel in that train was postponed. In April, I had to give up my travel when each and everyone in my family traveled. It was a different feel. I was let all alone at home- which itself is a punishment and traveling in my favorite train means its just adding three mangoes red chilli powder onto the injury. I had to digest everything- but nevertheless, I had belief in god. Someday of the other, he would make me travel in that train.

Yes, no prizes for guessing that train- its none other than the 22691/22692 and 22693/22694 Bangalore City-Hazrat Nizamuddin-Bangalore City Rajdhani Express.

I had to wait three years and two months to  travel in this beauty, which underwent both change in coaches and locomotive type since when I first saw it.

The train had Kazipet ALCo when I actually had built crush on this train, later, it underwent a locomotive link change- from Kazipet WDM3A to its home shed- Krishnarajapuram WDP4, which happens to be my favorite locomotive class. The roar of the loco inspired me a lot, not only in railway minded me, but also in my personal life. Yes, it was indeed a sweet surprise on the occasion of birthday celebration of Andhra Pradesh Express and Gouthami Express, as Bangalore City bound Rajdhani went past Vidyanagar with Krishnarajapuram WDP4B 40016.

The fire in me was very high that I should travel in it. Yes, my co railnuts started turning anti Rajdhani and anti EMD due to the fact that Rajdhani with an EMD was not running punctually because EMD doesn't have good acceleration. "Doesn't matter, Rajdhani with EMD is perfect combination and it will do good once the section controllers give good preference." I thought and waited and waited for the perfect moment. I started collecting money by skipping my evening snacks so that I could afford to travel by not giving extra expenses at my home. And finally- I was granted a green signal for my journey to Chennai-Bengaluru and Tiruchchirappalli.

Initially I booked via Chennai, which meant I didn't have any Rajdhani run. But considering that I was going to get a 89 made SR coach in 12604 Hyderabad-Chennai Central Super fast Express, I re considered my decision and changed the trip. So, the trip was something like this: Kacheguda to Bangalore in 12785, Bangalore to Tiruchchirappalli and back in Mysore-Mailaduturai Express, Bangalore to Nellore in Sanghamitra Express and Nellore to Secunderabad in Charminar Express and in the process, tickets were confirmed. Excepting the 12785, rest all were having confirmed tickets whereas 12785 had RAC22. Later, one of the hardcore critics of EMD- Murthy, suggested me to go for Rajdhani as it was getting an EMD and it was my favorite train. I check the status and it was RAC6. I used the money I collected to book.

The race between RAC 22 and RAC 6 was a neck to neck one. Having booked tickets almost one and half month prior to my journey, I almost left the hopes of Rajdhani ticket being confirmed- with the effect of Anil's leg pulling. On eve of my last examination- both of the tickets confirmed which allowed me to study with no tensions of tickets being confirmed. Without a second thought- I canceled my 12785 ticket, reducing the tensions of passengers with RAC 1 and WL1- allowing them to have confirmed berth and travel confirmed, respectively.

I eagerly awaited my journey date and the time was ticking very slowly. And the possibility of last exam being postponed was also ruled out as a "ten district Telangana was announced". After the exam finished, the tension of "What would be the next paper" was totally out of my mind which allowed me to completely focus on the journey. The excitement touched to the peaks when co railfans Murthy, Surya, Vamsi, Vamsee and Dheeraj confirmed their presence at Secunderabad at the time of me boarding the train.

I started from home at 17:00 hours, Auto via Osmania University made sure I was at Platform 10 by 17:30. I met Murthy, Vamsi and Surya, who were at Pf 10 as well. I was hungry, as I skipped my lunch in the excitement.We all went to irctc food plaza and I had pooris, my favorite dish at that restaurant. Dheeraj joined us and he left because he had some work.

I knew this would happen and yes- looking at my appearance- especially the suitcase I had to carry for personal reasons, these people started teasing me. They kept some name "Kumara Mangalam Birla" which was too funny. Murthy was in full notch, pulling my leg by criticizing EMDs and SBC Rajdhani, which recently got overtook by Raptisagar Express at Peddapalli. As usual- my defense started in offensive note as I started criticizing his favorite train Gouthami Express. And in between Vamsi's favorite train Vishaka and Surya's favorite train Godavari Express was also into the fights ending up the total platform 10 into a war field- fighting for our favorite trains.

In the meantime- Vamsee Teja gave an appearance. And no sooner he arrived, his favorite train Sathavahana was on the radar for criticism and leg pulling was in top notch by the time the train in which I had to travel arrived. The customary WAP7 from Lallaguda 30289 pulled the Rajdhani from Hazrat Nizamuddin and the link which I was supposed to get was WDP4 homed at Krishnarajapuram- 20062.

As soon as the train started entering the platform, the goosebumps were at top notch. I felt like everyone around me were clapping as if Rahul Dravid was walking into pavilion after scoring a century at Lords. I felt like crowd cheer the train as soon as it honks just like the way they cheer the moment Sachin used to hit his hundredth run. But in reality- the situation was quite opposite. Murthy was criticizing the train like never before and the others were laughing at it as if it was some passenger train entering with a huge delay.

As soon as the train stopped, I put my luggage at my allotted berth. And we had fair amount of pictures clicked clicked and finally, as soon as the train got starter- Murthy's spoke out "Anyways, its your favorite train- with favorite class locomotive. Enjoy." which made my day! But no sooner he spoke those words- the starter which turned amber was put back to danger.

Again, after ten minutes of drama and leg pulling game, finally we were given amber, and this time, our loco pilot didn't delay pulling the Rajdhani. EMD doesn't have good acceleration and in addition to that- there are numerous PSRs and no one knows the situation after Begumpet as we may be trailing an MMTS. In case MMTS is right ahead, who knows we may stop at no mans land. But thankfully, while entering Begumpet, I found an MMTS waiting to enter Begumpet which meant there was nothing we were actually trailing.

I went to the door and saw all the MMTS stations being blasted at 90 KMPH flat. Full proceed though out the line and finally, we decelerated to the speed restriction at Hafeezpet. And after Lingampalli- the WDP4 showed what it is capable of as it accelerated madly to 110 KMPH in no time. The biting cold, with swollen fingertips. EMD roaring and honking- and cruising at full throttle amidst fog- yes it was something I was waiting for. The WDP4 20062 has deadly LHF honks and whenever the W/L board appeared, twintone ensured I was getting ample amount of deadly honk. Yes, this was the journey I was blessed to do- not under hot air in April or amidst rain in August 2012 with a Kazipet WDM3A pulling me. I understood it and enjoyed every bit of it as I knew- this was the journey I was awaiting since long time.

We made an unscheduled halt at Vikarabad for close to fifteen minutes which was followed by a twenty minute halt at Sedam. This was definitely not the way Rajdhani must be treated. Unscheduled halt for few seconds can be somehow accepted but halts for fifteen minutes where there was no halt and a 2 minute halt getting 8 minutes extra halt was something seriously wrong. I was served with dinner- rice with carrots, two rotis, green leafy dal and mutter paneer with curd. They were tasty and I was very lucky to get this kind of food as many got worst food whenever they traveled in Rajdhani. Yes, I must accept, the quantity was less but taste was unbeatable. Soft but fat rotis and piping hot mutter paneer was undoubtedly the best among the served ones and the Green Leafy dal was totally unexpected dish. After having dinner, I slept in my designated middle berth.

Next day morning, I woke up at Someshwara- where the train was doing a very good speed. Yes, I understood that my train had entered South Western Railway division and it would be treated like king throughout till Bangalore City. And they didn't let me expectations down expect for once as my train never looked back for anything until made an unscheduled halt at Yesvantpur outer. We slowed down at Makali for a speed restriction and we skipped Rajankunte at high speed. Yelahanka was also skipped and finally we came to halt at Yesvantpur outer.

Yes, we were running late by almost close to an hour- yes, it all started off due to the delay in the start at Secunderabad, unscheduled halt at Vikarabad and extended halt at Sedam. We were running late by 45 minutes by the time I slept with aggressive schedule of Rajdhani taking the longer route, and keeping the further delay to ten minutes was a very good job by the loco pilots. Finally, we skipped Yesvantpur at 20 KMPH and Malleshwaram at almost 60 KMPH. I waved Santhosh Kumar, Natarajan and Ambrish- and we entered SBC with a good delay of 50 minutes. Sai Venkat and his friend were at Bangalore.

Yes, delayed by 50 minutes isn't something what I'd have wished for, but it gave me nice glimpse of Makalidurga. It was a special journey of mine and I will never forget the journey for ever in my life time.

And the same story- with a different prologue!

This time I tried.
I tried like never before.
The precious thing- your happiness- was all I kept in mind.
I wanted to do it at least for it.

This time I tried.
I tried like there is no tomorrow.
I bowed down to my enemies to do it.
Only to win the prize you showed.

Yes, I had to bow down to the opponent,
I had to lose like how I used to.
I have no face to show you,
but I hope you get to visualize the efforts of mine.