TRIP REPORT: 2nd trip in SBC Shatabdi
Date: July 31
Coach: C3,2010 Made
From: Chennai
To: Bangalore
Loco:...
more... WAP4
I, along with my friends were going to visit, India's second longest waterfall, Jog. Our plan was to catch Talguppa express from Bangalore, and we opted this train. At the time of booking itself, we were aware of fact that 30min buffer might be risky. But considering the priority and status of train, we decided to go for it, which eventually gave lot of tensions during final few minutes.
As usual train was there in PF 2A, and bang on time it started, initially crawling till Villivakam, and them in full MPS, overtaking four local trains and a freight(which was in emu line). Sitting inside never gave the feel of speed, but once you go out, i did realize speed. I didn’t took the chance of opening door and standing, just stood near the closed door and felt the full MPS sound produced by train. Things started turning bad for us, when train reached BNC outer, it was held up there for 15min and then another 5min at BNC. It was already 10.30 by then. Tension started gripping in, clearance to SBC was very much important for us. Our friends from Bangalore informed us that, Talguppa express was just brought in to PF9, AC and extra coaches were to be attached, which will take time. That was a small relief. When train started moving from BNC, all that was in mind was, god, please give full clearance. God might have heard my prayer, but controller didn't. Help up at SBC outer till 10.52, with further communication from friends, AC coaches were attached. It was 10.58 when Shatabdi finally reached SBC, with 2 min to spares, all we did was to run and get into Talguppa express. But seems like, god heard my prayer, and made other plans, rather than making shatabdi full clearance. Talguppa express loco was attached only at 11:15 and train started only by 11:20. I guess, AC coaches were attached with help of shunting loco.
Food: Just before the train started from MAS, water was distributed, followed by snacks which included, samoosa, mysore pak(awesome taste), mixture. This was followed by tea/coffee. After sometimes, around 7, soup with soup stick was served. Just after train left Katpadi, dinner was served, which contained Rice, Chapati, Dal Curry and some subji curry. And finally favourate part, Amul Ice Cream.
Entertainment: Rail Bandhu July edition Magazine was present in all seats, i was totally into it throughout the journey. In TV was comedy scene from Tamil Film, super scene of Tamil film, Expandable 2, kannada film and Just for Laugh (which was better than all others). More than all this, Ads were played. It was like you were seeing Ads, with small pgms in between.
Cleanliness: It is SWR rake, so nothing to say. Well maintained and cleaned.
Altogether, it was nice trip with tension.
