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Kashmir + Delhi TR
When I was asked by my friend if I would like to accompany him for a trip to Kashmir, I did not even had to think twice to make my decision. The valley of beauty had forever beckoned me and I was filled with sheer joy and ecstasy on the very thought that I shall be stepping into this mesmerizing land for the very first time in my life.
Plans were made, arrangements were chalked out right from the very onset. Our main aim was to board the DEMU...
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connecting from Banihal to Srinagar/Baramullah and take a to and fro ride to explore the tracks and the scenic route. Reservations were made by 12259 Sealdah - New Delhi Duronto (Class 3AC). We were successful in securing two Side Lower Berths in the very same coach. My friend had some work of his in Delhi and hence we decided to give it a day break and board 12445 Uttar Sampark Kranti the day next to our very day of arrival.
For our return journey, even though we had decided to come back by 12302 New Delhi - Howrah Rajdhani, we decided to postpone our journey by a day to give us enough buffer time to visit Kashmir at our ease.
Apprehending that we might encounter a bit of cold weather at some placed; if not all of them, I decided to carry a warm jacket as well as a pair of gloves and cap. My apprehension however did not turn into reality as I never put the winter garments into use.
Finally it was THE DAY. I was excited and juvenile to board the very first Duronto in Indian Railways. Had it been a few days back, my happiness would have doubled since it was very recently that it had to surrender its title of being the Fastest Train in Terms of Average Speed to one of its friend; Howrah - New Delhi Yuva Express.
On my arrival at Sealdah Station, I was communicated by my friend Chandril Bhowmick that Duronto has been shunted into the platform. I was a bit surprised since it was only 17:40/17:45 by then and to my expectation and knowledge, it was a bit early for the process to have taken place. I cheerfully advanced towards PF 9A/9B as I knew, Duronto would be standing in either of the two platforms depending on the fact whether Ajmer - Sealdah Express had arrived or not.
Again to my surprise, Duronto wasn't standing in either of the above mentioned two platforms. It was PF 9C, that had been honoured to platform the Duronto Rake much in contradiction to the regular affairs. Upon reaching my coach, I found our Admin Sabyasachi da waiting for me in order to bid me good bye. I introduced him to my father who had came over to the station with me.
Very soon Chandril, my co-traveler and Siddhartha Mukherjee joined us. Just to mention here that Chandril Bhowmick have successfully passed an examination pertaining to Railways and he has been appointed the role and duty of Assistant Loco Pilot. My heartiest congratulations and best wishes to him.
The train departed Sealdah bang on time as I and my friend Cat occupied our respective berths. The train was running at quite a good occupancy and we decided to swap our berths with two consecutive side lower berths in the meantime. Duronto, did disappoint me in the beginning as it started to get delayed right from the very beginning. It arrived BWN/ASN/DGR all running behind schedule. Finally food was served and again it wasn't much to my liking. The Chicken Dish was filled with water. I somehow assured myself of the plans I had in mind upon my arrival in Delhi and remain contended with whatever were there served to me for that night.
Being a little tired, I slowly began to drool and slumber got hold of me in no time. I woke up within an hour as the Duronto was slowly entering MGS where UP Toofan Express were berthed just beside us with a HWH Wappie in lead.
As our train left MGS, i decided it is finally time for a proper sleep. Woke up the next morning at 06:30 hours. Newspaper and Coffee were served to me. Within an hour and a half it was time for breakfast. The happy members of the breakfast family were two pieces of bread, omlette, jam, butter, salt, pepper, banana and a tetra pack of Frooti.
By then, the Monster WAP 7 was truly showing its class and tried to made up its lost time for the previous night. It finally managed to enter NDLS with a mere delay of 5-10 mins.
Detailed trip report can be seen here
To Continue..!