I travelled in this train in both the directions for a short trip from Kharepatan Road to Ratnagiri and vice versa during Holi (Shimga) in March 2022 and here is my experience:
1. Coaches: As the Sindhudurg Express has been upgraded to LHB Coaches, the experience has transformed completely. The train was satisfactorily clean throughout in both the directions.
2....
more... Amenities: Even the unreserved coaches have two charging points at each bay and two each at the side seats (SLB AND SUB). Each bay is equipped with a mirror on both sides and retractable luggage hooks. There is a water vending machine (free) near the lavatories and it was in working condition. The luggage racks had cusioned seats for overcrowded scenarios.
3. Crowd: Avoid this train at any cost during the peak seasons of Ganeshotsav and Holi if you wish to travel from Diva to Khed or vice versa.I was told by one of the co-passengers that there were people hanging through the doors from Panvel and the train got almost vacant at Khed. If you are traveling beyond Khed to Sawantwadi or from Sawantwadi upto Khed, then there is no issue as it runs almost vacant in this section.
4. Food: If Mandovi Express is the Food King, then Sindhudurg Express is the Food Prince of this section. You get everything from basic Bananas to Biryanis and ice creams in this train. It is a paradise for kids travelling in this train as they can keep on munching food stuffs at regular intervals. Do note that most of the vendors are locals and not authorized by the railways. Can't comment on the quality as I had taken home cooked food during my travel.
5. Railfanning: My sole purpose of travel was Railfanning and this is a great train for us railfans. With the train waiting for almost all the crossings in the single line section and covering the beautiful konkan stretch ijn daylight, it is a paradise. Try to be at the front coaches to experience the amazing chugging sounds of the Alco from ERS shed.
Fondly called as Diva Gadi, I am sure the experience in this train would be in atleast one of the fondest childhood memories of each Konkani grownup and the individuals who have travelled in this train.
P.S: I had two kids (unknown to me) as my co-passengers and when the train blasted out of one of the umpteen tunnels after Rajapur, one of them just shouted in Marathi 'एकदम मजा येते' meaning he is having a lot of fun. I was giving them instructions on when the next tunnel is arriving and the upcoming stations enroute.
Do travel in the Sindhudurg Express to experience the child inside you.
Cheers,
Vivek
