[WATCH] What it Feels like to be Inside the Mighty Gatimaan Express.

The way I see train is entirely different. I'm not from the bunch of people who will write it down telling "Indian Railways has poor food," or "Indian Trains are unhygienic," instead I'm a kind of soul who will find for the trains which are maintained well and has good food to travel.

I'm a railfan. You can find more about what it is like to be a railfan by checking the link on the word railfan. As soon as I heard Gatimaan was going to be inaugurated, my feeling was nothing lesser than a fan's heart moments before his favorite hero's movie releases.

I had already traveled in Bhopal Shatabdi Express, which clocks 150 KMPH in the same section, however Gatimaan was something I had to do!

Myself and a friend had a plan to travel in it June, but due to certain changes in my personal life, I know I was going to be busy at that point of time with some other work. So, I roughly made a plan, on Tuesday, and somehow got it materialized.

Thursday: Dakshin Express
Friday: Journey.
Saturday: Arrival at 04:05 hours at Nizamuddin.
Saturday: NZM-AGC Gatimaan.

My mind had only this plan until the time I had booked the tickets.

With some hustle and bustle in office, I managed to book a Tatkal Ticket in Dakshin Express.

After I got it, I reached home, and then I made the return itinerary. It was soon evident that I had to fly back, given the time constrain I was given at home. So I chose 12625 Trivandrum Central-New Delhi Kerala Express between Agra and New Delhi, followed by 18:35 IndiGo to Hyderabad.

Everything got materialized, and at 04.20 hours on April 9, I found myself on Hazrat Nizamuddin Platform 4.

I got ready in the train itself, and I was looking for the option of fast forwarding those 200 odd minutes.

I was roaming around, and trains from destinations across India- Malwa Express, Chattisgarh Express, Bengaluru Rajdhani Express, Goa Express, Pune Duronto Express, Goa Sampark Kranthi Express, Tamil Nadu Express, Thirukkural Express, Karnataka Sampark Kranthi Express, Taj Express were busy.

In the meanwhile, I had some okay-ish Kachoris, washed down with a cup of tea.

The time had finally passed, as Gatimaan was announced on Platform 5. Taj Express was scheduled to depart on Platform 5 by 07:05, so it meant that Gatimaan will follow Taj Express.

I was in dilemma, hoping for no last moment platform changes, but then, the train hostess had already assembled on platform 5 with their heavy kits, which made it evident that there won't be any platform change.

Taj Express departed, and I was surprised to see the platform fully crowded. I asked my friends to check the availability, and Gatimaan was in Waiting list! This wasn't something I was looking for, considering a railfan has certain favorite seats in the coach, which will give the experience of a train ride to the maximum.

Looking at the coach layout, it was evident that I was either going to get the best one (facing the locomotive and the side which has down line) or the worst one (non track side, reverse pulling). I was hoping for the best to happen.

Honk of a train interrupted my thoughts, and BOOM! Gatimaan is here.

GZB WAP 5 #30007 Pulls the Gatimaan on the Platform!

As soon as rake was berthed, I found that my fate was bad and I got the worst possible seat in the coach. I was happy that I was able to get a window, considering there were huge number of people who didn't get even that!

Beautiful rail hostess welcomed us with a water bottle and welcome drink.

There were some selfies taken with the board and I had taken one such too :) .

People settled down with few seat exchanges, and the clock stuck 08.10 and the train departed. Loco pilots made their intention clear- "SMASH!!!"

As soon as the train cleared points- it was like a EMU/Local Train acceleration and we were already cruising at 120 KMPH within 2 KMs. Then there were few speed restrictions imposed near Faridabad, and the mighty Gatimaan was doing what everyone was waiting for- 160 KMPH.

Being a Railfan is always handy. You have all the tools you need!

Before I realized I was living my dream, we overtook a train between Chandigarh-Madgaon, "Goa Sampark Kranthi Express" at a remote station, "Asaoti," which is famous for high speed trains among railfans. I was awestuck at the sight- the way we overtook.

And in the very next station, a train from Shri Ganganagar to Howrah- "Udyan Abha Toofan Express" was brutally overtaken by Gatimaan!

While I was happy that we were given at most priority on the section, I was envious that I was missing out the fun from other side of the world. I videograph trains and Gatimaan is one such which I would definitely do it one day!

The beautiful hostess interrupted my romance with the Gatimaan, as she asked for my breakfast preference. "Vegetarian- South" I immediately respond. She hands over a tray and the food was not so impressive.

It wasn't so tasty, but the way it was served was decent.

I finish this at jet speed to make sure I get maximum out of this trip, and while eating this, we overtook some unknown train at some unknown location.

The next one to be gulped down by Gatimaan was Taj Express. It departed 65 minutes before Gatimaan, only to bow down to the mighty Gatimaan 113 Kilometers after Hazrat Nizamuddin.

And there was one more, awaiting Gatimaan to go ahead!

Train bound to the southern most tip of country- Thirukkural Express, was waiting for our train at Kosi Kalan.

It was unfortunate from the part of Thirukkural's passengers, as they could witness Gatimaan overtaking their train at just 90 KMPH, due to the speed restriction at the station.

We slowed down, and Gatimaan skipped Mathura Junction at the reduced speed, and as soon as we skipped Mathura, it was an EMU acceleration again! Within no time, Gatimaan accelerated to 160 KMPH and we were given the best preference in the biggest Rail Network on this planet!

Gatimaan ignored few remote Uttar Pradesh stations, and we decelerate at Billochpura, to meet the speed restriction at Raja ki Mandi, which is the penultimate station! After having observed the speed restriction, loco pilot gave one final acceleration, and BOOM, Gatimaan was taken into Agra Cantonment Platform 6 at 09.43 hours, 7 minutes ahead of its scheduled arrival.

If you get goosebumps when you see a train- make sure you have a ride in this wonderful train! Also, you may watch my collection of videos in my YouTube channel.

Konkan Trip in Pictures: The Konkan Expedition.

After having relieved some stress in my life, I thought of going to a trip, and what better place could it be in the month of August, except the mighty Konkan land. To add up to the reasons, I had to visit Gokarna for some reason, and I had chalked out a trip. Secunderabad-Bengaluru City in Rajdhani Express, Bengaluru City-Gokarna in Karwar Express, Gokarna-Madgaon in Matsyagandha Express, Madgaon-Kacheguda in Amaravathi Express slip. I had booked the tickets, thanks to my friends' IRCTC transactions.

20029 was powering my Rajdhani Express, bound for Bengaluru City. It had come with LGD WAP 7 30318, all the way from Hazrat Nizamuddin.

I woke up to a phone call and I heard a strange news, about the accident of Bengaluru City Nanded Express. I just checked with my buddies and I came to know that we were about to be rerouted via Pakala-Katpadi- Jolarpettai-Bangarpet.

No sooner did I hear the news, than our train pulled out from Dharmavaram towards Pakala.

This line is the line which recently underwent guage conversions. Although the sectional MPS of this section ranges between 60-80 with numerous permanent speed restrictions, there are not many trains in this section, which means Rajdhani had a Rajdhani-esque run amidst the Royal rocks of Rayalaseema.

Probably for the first time Rajdhani Express had travesed across Horsley Hills.

Beautiful sunrise at Rayalaseema.

These people need a special mention, because these people were working consistently so that people on board are served at least some thing. In route diverted train with on board catering, its not easy to serve 1000 people with food without food being loaded at intermediate stations.

These people managed to serve 2A passengers with breakfast and late lunch, however managed to serve either breakfast or lunch to the 3A passengers. They were kind enough to make sure requests were fulfilled immediately from passengers who had infants.

Our train, probably for the first time with an electric locomotive, enters Katpadi, around 20 minutes before 12245 Howrah-Yeswantpur Duronto was scheduled to pass by. We had a crew change, I had quickly purchased some food, just in case if I was hungry.

Duronto trailed us up to Jolarpettai Junction, where we made way for the Duronto, lead by Santragacchi WAP 4.

This reminded me about the 2013 Laila Toofan, when tracks were washed off at Costal Andhra Pradesh and 12245 was diverted via Secunderabad, when Duronto was just infront of Rajdhani up to Nagpur, and then Rajdhani overtook Duronto and they both closely followed until Bengaluru City/Yeswantpur.

History made, although for wrong reasons- Bengaluru City Rajdhani entering Yeswantpur Junction with Electric Loco for the first time in history.

Being an ardent fan of Bengaluru Rajdhani Express, I couldn't have experienced this in a better way.

After deboarding Rajdhani, I took 16523 Bengaluru City-Karwar Express, upto Gokarna.

This is early in the morning at Subrahmanya Road, where the monster in the right woke up along with me (cranked up).

We had passed Shiradi Ghats, and then we crossed the mighty Netravathi River, around Kabakaputtur.

We entered into Mangaluru Central amidst heavy rain. I had breakfast at Mangaluru Central, and trust me, you will love the wada at this station.

And no sooner our 16523 was into Konkan, we were looped into Thokur, to cross Konkan Railway giant- Matsyagandha Express, and it showed up with an offlink all the way from Ratlam.

We continued to wait, which meant Kochuveli Garib Rath was also on its way. It showed up with Ernakulam ALCo, long hood forward.

We continued our journey and I thoroughly enjoyed the run in Konkan Railway. We were halted at Manki, to cross Okha-Ernakulam Express, which went past with customary Twin ALCos from Ernakulam.

16523 dropped me at Gokarna Road with a good delay of 1 hour. I checked into hotel, which was quite cheap, and then headed for darshan.

Once I was done with Darshan, I visited the Gokarna Beach to click the sunset.

I went into the miighty Arabian sea to feel the water on my legs. I had waited almost around 1 hour to see this wonderful sunset.

The only regret I carry is I haven't seen a perfect sunset till date, where the sun dips into horizon, not into intermediate clouds.

A Shiva Lingam was put up and something was written in Telugu itself, which meant someone from Andhra Pradesh/Telangana had commissioned the statue.

After the sunset, I had a good sleep.

The next day, I went to a sight seeing place nearby for some time, and then visited this beautiful Aganashini River, to which my friend Kevin Russel Sequeira was coming over. We had confusion till we executed the plan, given that both Sharavathi River and Aganashini River were really picturesque. We stuck to Aganashini because I could reach to this place directly and easily.

As soon as I came here, I could hear a honk from the Mirjan tunnel, and to my surprise, it was this KR patrolling van.

I had walked to the bank of the river, waiting for two trains to show up. Being in constant touch with Kevin, who was onboard 16336 NCJ-GIMB Express, kept giving me live updates.

Few local people at Mirjan made me feel good, by inviting me into their home if at all I had any issue. I thanked them, and continued my wait, hoping for a unlikely Ro-Ro/Freight. Unfortunately, nothing turned up.

I did some local wandering in the village, and there were hardly any people around. Few people started their day by going on to fish, few kids went to school, everyone seemed to be in a hurry.

At one point, everything I saw was green. No matter where you see, only thing you could see is greenery.

And as soon as Kev got down at Kumta, he took a bus, and he informed me to be ready because the action for the day was about to begin.

As he said, Nagercoil-Gandhidham Express chugged past the Aganashini River with twin ALCos homed at Ernakulam.

This being first train to shoot, I had messed up with the EXIF. I made sure that I won't be messing up with the Magnum Opus of spottings of that day- Trivandrum Rajdhani.

Kev had updated me about Rajdhani passing Kumta, and I got ready. But it was very unfortunate that my lens had accummulated some fog, and I didn't knew how it happened. Luckily, it was on the external glass and my microfiber cloth made sure my camera is fit to capture the Rajdhani.

And GOC WDP3A goes past River Aganashini with the mighty Trivandrum Rajdhani Express in the tow.

And as soon as the Rajdhani passed by, Kevin walked in.

We rushed to the other side of the bridge. 

And no sooner we went to the other side of the bridge, than came the LTT-ERS Duronto Express, with an Kalyan WDM3D in the lead.

And it rushed past to Kumta, doing the LHBesque cling-clangs.

Few moments after Duronto rushed past, the third Premium Class train on trott, this time the longest running Duronto Express of Indian Railways, Ernakulam-Hazrat Nizamuddin Duronto Express blazed past with Ernakulam ALCo in the lead.

We had some leisure time, because the trains were delayed due to some reason. Almost one hour was spent without action.

We had a freight with twin WDG4s, and then 12133 The Rocket bound for Kankannady, Mangaluru.

Seen here is the Rocket bound for Mangaluru Junction.

And then went the fastest passenger of Indian Railways, the Mangaluru Central-Madgaon Passenger.

Closely trailing passenger was the Intercity Superfast between the same two destinations.

And after this, we head back to Kumta by a bus, had sumptous lunch in the bus stand cafeteria (it served delicious food), and then we head to the pleasant Kumta station.

After coming into Kumta, we had a delicious meal at Kumta Bus station, it was quite delicious, especially the rasam, which was out of world.

We reached the deserted Kumta Station, where we just experienced peace. No single train passed by, for almost 2 hours, and still we enjoyed the atmosphere.

Kevin's train to his home, 16524 Karwar-Bengaluru City Express came into Kumta, before the 22655 Trivandrum Central-Hazrat Nizamuddin Superfast, which meant we came back onto platform.

I bid Kevin good bye and we promised to meet sometime later in our lives, hoping for a better day of trainspotting.

Kevin gave me updates through phone, and he told me about the power, which was something that came to me as a surprise. Nah, I'm not talking about the WDP3A, but I'm talking about this particular WDP3A, 15519.

The home signal of Kumta was damaged, and every single train had to stop here, take the PLC (:Paper Line Clearance) from the Station Master, Kumta, and then LPs were officially asked to do the biggest crime they could commit, SPAD- Signal Passing At Danger.

By the way, being a fan of numbers, I always love the loco numbers which end with "19". 19 being my roll number since my class 1, I always had some soft corner for a loco with road number ending with "519", which was my roll number in Engineering.

15519- Check smile emotic.

I had taken the late running Matsyagandha upto Madgaon, and stayed overnight a a hotel at Madgaon.

Madgaon mornings are always beautiful, and I consider myself lucky for getting to experience one.

UBL WDP4B eclipsed KYN WDG4D, the powers of Mumbai/Dadar bound Mandovi and Janshatabdi respectively.

We departed Madgaon bang on time, and the UBL WDP4B #40016 was already into MAO yard to shunt the Mandovi Express.

Seen here is KYN WDG4D.

This happens to be my first decent capture of a WDG4D.

We had crossed KJM WDM3A powered Goa "The Super" Express at an intermediate station (it was waiting for us), and Amaravathi, the Matsyakanya, which connects Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal unflured her wings, to make us reach Qulem before time. We got bankers at Qulem, with an extended halt of 25 minutes at the same place.

Amaravathi then ascended the mighty Braganza Ghats, and everyone were glued to the doors, including me.

All my prayers came true, it was not raining when we passed Dudhsagar view point. But half of the waterfall was covered with a thick cloud, and then I didn't focus the image well.

*snap*
*failed*

Leaves Camera to rest on the strap and I thoroughly enjoyed the glimpse of the mighty Mandovi river jumping a little over 1,000 ft.

After passing Dudhsagar, I enjoyed the journey, which could be my last in this year. I kept my camera aside for sometime and thoroughly enjoyed the journey.

It was after Tornagallu, I took out the camera to shoot this brilliant scene, capturing all 58 fully loaded wagons with GY WDG4 twins- a conventional freight cannot get better.

And the WDG4 duos are ready to pull this load of BOXN wagons full of coal, most of which will be burnt and converted to electricity in coming week at the Bellary Thermal Power Station.

Slip coaches had a leisure 5 hour break at Guntakal.

This brand new unallocated WDG4 was the prime attraction of the day.

Vishnu and Kumar came to meet me at GTL. For better part of those 5 hours, many topics, all about IR, were thrown into mix.

Kumar was kind enough to take me to a nearby hotel and I had delicious set of Set Dosas too.

The last photo of the trip, clicked just before going out to eat Dosas.

Yeswantpur-Jaipur Premium Express pulls into Guntakal.

Surprise Surprise- You've Fulfilled Two of your Long Lasting Dreams.

*Calls AJ*- No Answer.
*Calls AJ*- No Answer.
 *Drives to his home*
*Calls AJ*- No Answer.
*Calls AJ*- No Answer.
*Calls AJ*- No Answer.

"This guy won't lift. He's deep in sleep. Who doesn't want to be, at 5 in the morning, on a cold January."

*Vroom Vroom*

"Sun is about to rise. Its the Orange Hour. I may just have luck to click my dream picture."

___________________

My dream (still) is to click a picture with sun rise or sun set right next just like in this image.
___________________


"I'll go to Aushapur. Train is in three directions. Chance of getting the dream one is too good."

"I've not yet crossed Ghatkesar and the sun is out. Time to not waste time"

*Throttles Throttles*

"Wow, Straight track, sun is just approaching the point in another 5 minutes. I'll be there"

*Parks vehicle. Informs the nearby people to look after.*

Chug chug chug chug- WDM3A from Kazipet flies with passenger right towards the direction where I was about to get the picture.

*Looks at sun*

*Dreams Shattered*

"I hate AJ."

I decide to wait there for some other train so that I can manage the photo and get close to dream by post processing heavily.

*Waits for close to ten minutes*

It was 06:20 AM in the chilly January morning. I could find myself wrapped up in a blanket on my bed. Yet I find myself amidst bushes and weeds, around the Secunderabad- Kazipet railway line, waiting for some or the other train to turn up. These are the moments that make my life livable.

"Oh god, please send some train- I'm happy with the most boring specie- WAG 5 or WAG 7 with a freight"

My prayers are interrupted as I hear honk from distance. I was pretty sure- it was an Electric Honk.

I clutch my camera. Get ready for the click. Train curves into my sight. Foggy conditions with golden sky. Headlight on.

Give the railfans the time to wait for a train, they have all time of the world to wait for a train to pass by.

*Click*

"Out of focus."

*Waits. Looks at sun. Manageable.*

*Waits*

The last few moments of the train entering the correct scenario are more tensed than the entire time while I waited for the train to pass by.

*Waits*

"That is definitely not a normal Electric. Looks like EMD, but the shape doesn't resemble too."

*Observes the Pantograph silhouetted*

"Its some electric. Looks like some early morning arrival is arriving late."

"Woah- LHB rake! Looks like some Vishakapatnam- Secunderabad Special"

Now after looking at the rake- the tension is electric! There is Rumble in Jungle with Bumble on Fire.

*Clutches the camera hard*

*Waits for perfect moment*

*Click*

Voila!!!! "KRISHNAVENI".

She belongs to the most boring specie of locomotives, but she has specially designed shell which makes her stand out. She is called "Princess of South Central Railway" owing to her name and her unique design.

"Wait- whats this design?"

"Wow! It is the IRCTC Tourist special- with a unique livery."

We, all railfans, wait for hours together, just to get a glimpse of the train, and then, it is all over within seconds, and it is no exception here.

My prayers have been answered.

The princess has passed by at right moment, giving me "almost" the picture perfect I had been dreaming about.

Homed at Vijayawada electric loco shed, Krishnaveni leisurely rushes towards Secunderabad with the IRCTC Tourist Special.

Click Here for HD image.

A Night at Marine Drive.

Having got off a train which gave no more than a uncomfortable ride and dropped us close to 2 hours late at VT/CST Mumbai, we had to search abode for the night. Food was never below its expectation. The best Pantry Car of India gave us a perfect food for the entire day. However, close to 2 hour late drop meant we had all our plans shattered and that was calling for almost a night out.

The particular part of junket was the most interesting one, considering it was the second time I was visiting Marine Drive in six months. Last time I visited, I had taken a brief idea on how a perfect image would be like, however at that time, I made dreams to capture that place at its best with a DSLR of mine, if anything of such kind was coming at all.

The way I received was a totally unexpected and I'll leave that for another time, somehow I was lucky soul on this earth who got DSLR 4 months from when I first visited this place and that is what made me do all possible research on the internet regarding the EXIFs to use at Marine Drive. Upon intimation of this visit to one of my friend, she gave clear cut instructions "not" to miss out visiting Marine Drive and also instructed to "miss out" meeting her in case if I don't get a picture which was something even a little lesser than "Picture Perfect."

8 of us and I and Sany were like if others aren't game, we would go on hunt for Marine Drive necklace picture. However slowly the count took a hike and at the end it reached the maximum it could. Yes, all 8 of us were on for the expedition and we decided to walk as it was just 1.5 KMs away from where we were actually staying. Return was planned in cab.

We got ourselves freshened and we started at 00:00. We were told that people would be sent off by 02:00 hours. Planning the coming two hours, we walked the empty streets of Mumbai with our bazookas and tripods and shot random buildings. Hutatma Chowk, Churchgate Station Building were ones which I remember and we had shot 20-25 of such buildings and deserted roads.

We hit our destination and it was lively! Many people were hanging out at 00:45 hours and there were vendors who were getting last profits. Couples were dating, nuclear families were present with one or two children, and then, there were giant families as well. Of course, a place like Marine Drive at 00:45 is incomplete without a bunch of friends constantly pulling legs. Needless to mention, even they made their presence felt. Some posh cars and bikes were accelerating madly by young men. Among the posh cars and bikes, Hayabusa was one present.

And this would be absolutely incomplete without how the Arabian Sea sounded. Mild sound of waves locking their horns with the haphazardly thrown stone blocks, eventually giving up penetrating forward. Florescence from Marine Drive Necklace shining on the serine Arabian Sea eventually fading into darkness and then again light from the other end of Marine Lines with tall buildings which could be identified with their lights on the other end of the sea. Few air crafts taking off to their respective destinations,  the yellowish orange florescence and the mighty moon playing hide and seek with clouds. Words can never describe Marine Drive.

Once I realized that I am about to live a dream which I had planned very few months ago, I started thinking the possible perfect shot. I had always dreamt of a perfect shot and it was soon evident that I had to use all my resources (wireless shutter + Tripod) and I had to choose a place where no one could obstruct. Having taken all precautionary measures so that the picture would be something which will be qualified to get a tag "Picture Perfect," I decided to block a particular area so that no one disturbs the view of Marine Drive when seen from my 18-55 mm eye.

I was about to live my dream, when I leave my camera away in bulb mode, set at a firm position, and I clutch my wireless shutter.

*Click*

One

Two

Three

Four

Five

Six

Seven

Eight

Nine

Ten

*Click*

Ten seconds exposure shot and VOILA! It came out just like how I had been imagining it right at the first shot! A image which I was dreaming of last 4 months was finally frozen by my 18-55 mm lens.

Marine Drive was never more beautiful than this from my eye!

The ultimate reason for the expedition was fulfilled and yes, inner peace was achieved.

A subset of Mumbai as seen from Marine Drive.

__________________________________________

Very few get to live their dreams within short span of time and there is only one person who could make me live my dream with the short span. He understood me, he encouraged me, he guided me through right path even though I totally thought in a different way. A special special special thank you to my dear brother, Yuvi, who instantaneously agreed to bring down the Canon T3i Rebel.

Karnataka Express.

A strenuous day at the capital at a fairly sultry climate made sure I was overworked and I needed some rest. Having confirmed it by my friend, I decided to post pone my "India Gate at Night" to next visit to New Delhi. However, I decided to wander around the Capital Station of India. Not because I was fit enough to roam around, but it was only due to the love for the railways. I knew I may not get a chance to experience New Delhi Railway Station again in my life so I decided to take wee bit of risk by pushing my limits just to see late evening departures.

Swarna Jayanti Rajdhani Express bound for Ahmedabad, followed by a quick inspection of Prayagraj Express bound for Allahabad. Moved onto platform 5 to check the power of Uttar Sampark Kranti Express bound to Udhampur and then the departure of Jammu Tawi bound Rajdhani Express.

Then came the announcements for the Bangalore City bound Karnataka Express. PA system announced that it will depart platform 3. There was a cold shiver running down the spine as soon as I heard it.

Kerala Express, departure 11:25- platform 3.

Andhra Pradesh Express, departure 17:25- platform 3.

Karnataka Express, departure 21:15- platform 3.

Tamil Nadu Express, departure 22:30- platform 3.

Platform 3 of New Delhi Railway Station could probably be tagged as a platform which serves the Peninsular India or the foundation of India. No sooner I heard the announcement, than I rushed to see the departure of Bangalore City bound Karnataka Express.

For some reasons, I'm emotionally attracted towards the state of Karnataka. May be it is because it is where I leanrt to walk, speak or may be because it is from where my ancestors hail from, or may be because it is the state which gave me my favorite food (Bisi Bele Bath, Set Dosa), or may be because I really like the heritage sites like Hampi, Badami, Sravanabelagaula, Sonda, Gokarna, Aihole, Pattadakal, Srirangapattana, the mighty Western Ghats and Udupi. I honest do not know why I am so attracted towards Karnataka.

All in all, I momentarily realized that I'm a big fan of Karnataka and I involuntarily decided that I will watch the train depart and then go and have my dinner.Having reached the power of Bangalore City bound Karnataka Express. I gazed at the destination board of Karnataka Express. It had the name written in Kannada. It read the following with pictures of Vidhan Soudha and India gate on the either side of "Karnataka Express" with yellow background:

ಕರ್ನಾಟಕ ಎಕ್ಸ್‌ಪ್ರೆಸ್

कर्नाटका एक्सप्रेस

Karnataka Express

Bangalore City<-> New Delhi

The elated feeling in mine went up to sky as soon as I saw the words written in Kannada because I had experienced both ఆంధ్ర ప్రదేశ్ ఎక్స్‌ప్రెస్ & ಕರ್ನಾಟಕ ಎಕ್ಸ್‌ಪ್ರೆಸ್ on the very same day. Yes, I had many discussions regarding these trains with my father. He told me many stories about his sojourns in Karnataka Express, the different livery it had and all I wished at that time was I could live that. May be he isn't with me currently or maybe it wasn't something what he experienced, however I was witnessing something which was very close to what he narrated me and it was moments like that which sometimes lets us feel free with an odd tear.

I read the destination board over a million times in my mind, and then checked the loco. GZB WAP 4. A quick call to my friend based at Bangalore just to share few moments and to keep myself engaged in something else.

It was 21:10 and I finished up my call. The chief and his assistant were ready. Assistant performed all the checks and he gives a nod to the chief. The chief gets in touch with the guard and makes sure everything is set fine, three minutes before the departure. All formalities done, now the chief and the assistant await for the signal to turn yellow.

21:15- the starter turns yellow. Loud whistle blown to alert all the passengers. Assistant comes out with walkie talkie in one hand and torch in the other. I was so close that I could hear the guards voice from walkie talkie "Loco pilot 2628- Everything set sir, please move ahead." Yes the red beast started moving.

Unknown anguish in me started, for the obvious reasons. I am not on board a train which is in my bucket list. "ಕರ್ನಾಟಕ ಎಕ್ಸ್‌ಪ್ರೆಸ್ कर्नाटका एक्सप्रेस Karnataka Express; Bangalore City<-> New Delhi" The destination board which I read over million times now is moving towards Bengaluru. I could read it two times and then it went out of my sight. Military coach was full. So were the general coaches.

As the train started moving, my anguish started reaching to its peaks. AC coaches went past. Now the sleeper coaches started passing by. Few of them has the charging points. Few of them didn't. Pantry Car passed by, giving me a gentle remembrance of Bisi Bele Bath.

Train suddenly slowed down. Yes there was a chain pulling. I could confirm it as the chief blew the trademark chain pull whistle. However, the pressure wasn't built fully, which prevented the train from being stopped. The chief accelerated with a whistle and the train moved more confidently. The second time, there is no stopping. Gradually, the last coach turned up and I felt temporarily happy as I had a chance to see the destination board once again.

ಕರ್ನಾಟಕ ಎಕ್ಸ್‌ಪ್ರೆಸ್

कर्नाटका एक्सप्रेस

Karnataka Express

Bangalore City<-> New Delhi

This time, it was pretty quick, I could read it just once and all I found after a moment was empty tracks. I turned my gaze towards the X Mark. This time, there were two red lights, one blinking and the other steady.

Only thing that kept running in my mind was a line by my dear friend, AKY.

"I felt my eyes moisten and I fought back the tears. The cross on the back of the last coach of a train had never been more heart wrenching."