*** DHADKAN KI RANI, CR KI MAHARANI - 84TH JANAMDIN MUBARAK HO!! ***
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1st of June, the day which all CR railfans await eagerly. It is a special day, for 3 of CR’s legends - The Grand Daddy - Punjab Mail, The Queen of CR - Deccan Queen and the Superstar of Nashik District - Panchavati Express celebrate their respective birthdays. The three trains are special and carry burden of cargo throughout the year tirelessly for which we are indebted to them. _/\_
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But one train that has maintained its class and standard all these years is Deccan Queen, who rules the hearts of one and all of Pune & Mumbai, be it the common man, railway staff, daily passengers and most importantly, we railfans. No other train enjoys the cynosure of attention as DQ does and the birthday celebrations at both Pune and Mumbai CST are a treat to the eyes, which speaks about how popular and important train this is in this part of the world. Kudos to CR for maintaining the benchmark set all these years.
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Today’s celebrations at Pune station were attended by hordes of railfans as usual who came down from various parts of India (IRFCA Gang) as well as those from Mumbai and Pune in particular. 3 cakes were placed on a table, one a regular circular cake, one a triple decked cake and one representing a loco. The IRFCA gang had brought their own cake with a vintage pic of DQ in Bor Ghats, while the daily passengers and members of Pune-Mumbai Pravasi Sangh had their own, so 5 yummy cakes in all. The shutterbugs, mostly railfans had already started to open the account. 1st June is the only day in Pune where RPFs too join the celebrations and hence a welcome break for railfans, as PHOTOGRAPHY and VIDEO SHOOTING are FREELY ALLOWED, so RFs can roam around the station LIKE A KING. The passengers of the train and other common people too joined the celebrations after they came to know about the festivities.
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As soon as the 06.35 LNL EMU departed from PF-1, a PUNE shunter brought in the rake of the BIRTHDAY GIRL which was received by a loud cheer and applause. Sahyadri Express had arrived on PF-2 and the passengers could only wonder at that time what the festivities were all about. It was only after a good 20 minutes they came to know about the birthday celebrations.
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At around 06.50, a KYN WCAM-3 started making its way from the Trip Shed to get itself coupled to the Queen, with its signature and rhythmic horns right from the shed to the train, catching attention of all present on the spot. It was a music to the ears and the thundering applause from the crowd on the PF added to the crescendo.
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The LP, ALP, CR staff, RPF, GRP, railfans, passengers, onlookers all gathered near the loco. A few ladies got down onto the tracks and did pooja which was followed by breaking of coconut by the LP. This was followed by a small speech and the Happy Birthday song.
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At 07.10, the starter turned yellow, the LP and ALP took their respective positions and Mumbai RFs who had come to Pune, went inside and occupied their seats for the return journey. At sharp 07.15, the flags waved, LP gave a headlight blink and the rhythmic horn rather than the usual one which signifies a special moment, all the way from PF to way past the marshalling yard. The Guard was all agog with excitement and his words “Thank You all for your love - Aise hi pyaar karte rehna” meant a lot to everyone present on the spot. The Queen gracefully departed Pune for yet another day in the office...
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Once Again, Happy Birthday & Long Live The Queen!!
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P.S.: Unable to post pictures right now. You may follow this blog for the pictorial coverage of the celebrations which will posted later in the day. Thanks.
