Shabdbhedi Express: गति इसकी शब्दों को भेदती है, पूरब को पूर्वांचल से जोड़ती है - Dr. Abhishek Rai

As a part of the 'testing acts' after Mumbai CR Mainline went under AC traction it was decided that there will be a special train consisting of 24 coaches which will be hauled by WAP5 as part of testing, specifically to test Down fast line which is mainly used by Long distance trains and EMUs.
Now the WAP5 was bought/requested in from GZB shed, and it was lying idle in the KYN ELS if I'm not mistaken for nearly a couple of days. Just before the conversion day it was transferred to CSTM ELS.
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once we understood that CR Mainline was fully charged under AC traction & the fact that 'testing rounds' had begun, we(RFs) were highly anticipating WAP5 bringing in and thundering down the mainline on MPS with 24 coach ICF load.
However, This testing consist was released behind an Alco hauled Indrayani express. Now, Indrayani express has a halt at Thane, so we knew that we may not get the full MPS action from WAP5 & that's just what happened! WAP5 was halted at TNA outer, it crawled towards us as soon as it was given the proceed signal. You can see the enthusiasm of all RFs, covering both sides of track and waving towards Crew & interestingly Crew waving towards us.

GZB WAP5 30023 was doing the honors for testing a few things out on Down fast. However, as soon as the Loco went past me, it stopped to drop of a couple of crew members. After this a customary flag exchange between the Guard and the crew followed and it moved further towards KYN and beyond.
It was the first time a WAP5 locomotive has hauled any rake through CR mainline & what a historic moment it was.