Who says South India does not have Gatimaan. It is called Vaigai Express. - Thamizh Maran

PART 4: THE RUN

No sooner we crossed Arakkonam Jn taking the Katpadi line, we hit MPS. Melpakkam Cabin was dusted at flat 110 kmph. The beast showed no signs of slowing down. We were treated with flat Jerk free smooth MPS skips of Chitteri, Sholinghur, Thalangai and Walajah Road Jn. Sharp Deceleration to 29 Kmph and Acceleration back to MPS at Mukundarayapuram Station for a minor caution was a treat to watch. The delays if any were nullified and as we approached Katpadi Jn, we were...
more...

running a few minutes before time.

We entered Katpadi Station and the Trainset Screeched to a halt at 07:21, dot on time. The Doors closed and we accelerated out of Katpadi Jn sharp at 07:25 hours and in no time attained full MPS. Post Katpadi, we were served Complimentary Breakfast comprising of 2 Idlis, One Medu Vada, Chutney, Sambar, Pineapple Sheera, Apple Juice and a small Snack Cake. The breakfast was piping hot and tasty.

By the time, we finished our Breakfast; our Vande Bharat Express was exiting the Chennai – Salem Main line and was snaking its way through the Turnouts at Jolarpettai Jn to enter Bengaluru bound Rail line. Meanwhile 12028 KSR Bengaluru – Chennai Central Shatabdi with some WAP 7 was negotiating the Turnouts to join the Chennai bound line. The other line from Jolarpettai Jn goes straight towards Salem Jn. One pair of WAG 12 was resting with a CONCOR rake at one of the loops awaiting its clearance.

It was time for second round of Tea or Coffee. This time I opted for Ginger Tea Premix. Our Vande Bharat Express was now entering its another section of its expertise – Ghats. Yes, the section between Jolarpettai Jn and Kuppam is having quite a few gradients where Permanent Speed restrictions are put into Place. Though this section doesn’t necessitate the use of Bankers, Locomotive hauled trains cautiously ascend the gradients using their full power. Our Vande Bharat Beastie nailed it exceptionally well as it smoothly negotiated this section. We were stuck in awe as the mesmerizing view outside from the large windows of the coach and the beautiful interiors of our coach blended into one in this section.

In no time, we entered Kuppam came to an unscheduled halt. No sooner we were cleared from Kuppam, we started negotiating our way through the Bengaluru suburban section with numerous slowdowns. The freight traffic was also considerably more at that times and almost every loop was occupied by freight. However, post Bangarapet, we were cruising at full MPS of 110 kmph. Another acceleration stunt was witnessed from the beastie as we entered Whitefield at 45 kmph but exited at 100 kmph.

We dreaded another halt at Bengaluru outers as we crossed Bengaluru Cantt but thankfully, we were cleared onto PF 7 at KSR Bengaluru and we came to a complete halt full 5 minutes before time. We were once again greeted by selfies and Photos with the VB rake by people on the platform before the doors could open. The alighting crowd at Bengaluru spoke volumes on the most preferred pair of Stations to travel in this Vande Bharat.

No Railfan would want a Rail Trip to End but it always have to . A sweet and Short Trip onboard this sensation of modern Rail Network of India viz Vande Bharat Express came to an end at Bengaluru with beautiful memories to hold on to. Penning this Travelogue itself is an altogether different experience which has given me a chance to cherish my First Journey onboard Vande Bharat Express. Hope have done enough justice to it.

Will soon be back with a new journey, new experience and new memories. Till then Have a Great Year Ahead.

Bye for now !!!