Regular people go to see Taj Mahal. RailFans go to see Ghaziabad Jn. - Praveen

*** AN AFFAIR TO REMEMBER – OF THE “QUEEN” OF SAHYADRIS! ***
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Shivajinagar is a small station with 2 PFs, yet an important one as it is one of the gateways to the Central Business District (CBD) of Pune. It is a lovely place for railfanning, with just the right amount of rush which can throw up pretty unexpected surprises everyday, be it the wackiest, wildest of loco-links with freight trains or the sight of trains moving away / towards Pune at decent speed. One never knows what will be in store...
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for him that particular day. But one thing is guaranteed everyday (almost everyday) for sure – The sight of the Queen of CR, 12124 Deccan Queen overtaking 11024 Sahyadri Express – a sight to behold and cherish!
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Let me begin by explaining the layout of tracks - its pretty simple, two PFs on either sides, a loop line which is the PF-1 line, the UP Main Line towards Mumbai beside the loop line, the DOWN Main Line towards Pune beside it and then, the loop line for PF-2.
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Sahyadri usually arrives at PF-2 of Pune before time and waits for a good 20-25 minutes, thanks to the huge slack. The Kolhapuri folk get down for a hot cuppa and some fresh Wada-Pav to kickstart the day! In the meanwhile, the Pune WDM loco which hauled Sahyadri from KOP-PUNE makes way for KYN WCAM-2P/3 to take over for the final leg between PUNE-CSTM. Its 7.00 am and Sahyadri moves out of PF-2. The LPs know what they are about to witness, hence they usually do not notch up. After cautiously negotiating Mula River Bridge at Sangamwadi, the train is put onto the Loop at PF-1 at around 07.10 am. Except the regular passengers, little do the other people know that the QUEEN would overtake them in a while in just a few minutes and the question marks on their faces are clearly visible as to why did the train stop?
At sharp 07.15, the starter turns yellow for the QUEEN and she departs in a majestic fashion with the head held up high, for she knows she is the QUEEN of the route and would get highest priority and sectional clearance right upto the destination, CSTM.
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As the train clears the turnouts, the LP starts applying notches on the WCAM-3 beast, until the speedo reaches around 75-80 kmph. Several megawatts of electricity is poured ruthlessly into the traction motors and the BEAST gives out a WHINE with a considerable amount of forward jerk.
In the meanwhile, the mainline signal turns green at SVJR. As the train crosses the Sangam Bridge and the Court Building, the LP gives out a honk while negotiating the curve, perhaps to remind the station looming in the distance that the QUEEN is approaching. As it curves into the UP Main Line, the LP sends out a honk yet once again, this time a louder and a longer one. The good amount of occupants of Sahyadri Express are already standing near the door and are peeping out of the window, to witness the extravaganza.
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The ALP and the Flagman customarily exchange flags. The aggressive monster rushes past raising almost a dust storm and shattering the early morning silence, with the signature track sounds. The passengers of Sahyadri, children and adults alike are absolutely spellbound by the show the BLUE EYED BABE has given them. As the Last Vehicle rushes past, they regain their composure after a while with smiles on their faces, perhaps thanking their stars for having been able to witness the ROYAL SHOW. At 07.30, the starter turns yellow, Sahyadri moves out and SVJR begins yet another day in the office.
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Hope your have enjoyed reading, suggestions and criticisms are most welcome. Thanks.