Vaigai வந்துருச்சு, ஆசையில் ஓடி வந்தேன்

Pictures: Rameshwaram Express Nameboard and rakes, Kapaleeshwara Temple, Chennai, Ramanatha Swamy Temple, Rameshwaram, The Dhanushkodi Pier, and Pamban Viaduct and Indira Gandhi Road Bridge.
#KnowYourTrain: The Boat Mail (aka Rameshwaram Express). #TrainNo: 16101/02 (WEF September 1, 2013; Old No. 16701/02)
#Objective: At the time of introduction: To connect India and Sri Lanka; Current: Provides connection to the island of Jyotirlinga Shrine of Rameshwaram from the capital city of #TN, #Chennai. Runs almost parallel to the Bay of Bengal.
...
more...

#Etymology: The name of the train commemorates the 19th century communication service between Tamil Nadu and Sri Lanka mail service.
#InauguralRun: On the present route, February 24, 1914 (#Centurion)
#RakeMaker: ICF, #RakeSharing: Dedicated Rake, #Loco: Usually #TNP WDM3A
#Distance: 667 km, #Halts: 22, #IntermediateStations: 117
#Speed: 47 kmph, #FastestSection: 77 PMK-RMD, #SlowestSection: 8 PBM.
#NativeZone: SR (intrazone train), #State: #TN (intrastate train).
#DaysofRun: Daily, #Classes: 1AC, 2AC, 3AC, SL, UR, SLR.
#MajorLanguages: Tamil.
#Districts: Kanchipuram, Villupuram, Cuddalore, Nagapattinam, Thanjavur, Tiruchirappalli, Pudukottai, Sivagangai, and Ramanathapuram.
#MajorTowns/Cities/Attractions En Route:
#ChennaiEgmore (MS): 6th century World Heritage sites of Mamallapuram and Kanchipuram, the land of 1000 temples.
#Chengalpattu (CGL), #Villupuram (VM)
#Cuddalore (CUPJ): Alight here for Puducherry (#Pondicherry) Shri Aurobindo Ashram and the French global city of Auroville, 25 km. Buy Panruti jackfruit and cashews here.
#Chidambaram: World-famous NatarajaTemple
#Mayiladuthurai (MV): Navagraha Temples and other destinations like Nagore Dargah, Velankanni Church, Poompuhar Beach, and Vedaranyam/Kodiyakarai Bird Sanctuary.
#Kumbakonam (KMU): NavagrahaTemples (Temples for Nine Planets –Dosha Nivarana Temples) and lots of other temples. Requires at least 4-5 days to make non-stop visits to all major temples of Kumbakonam and its surroundings.
#Thanjavur (TJ): 10th century Brahadeeshwara Temple, Maratha Palace, and Tiruvayaru, the Birth Place of St. Thyagaraja, the father of Carnatic Classical Music.
#Tiruchirapalli (TPJ): Magnificent Sriragam Temple, 2nd century Grand Anicut Dam (still intact) built by the Grand Cholas, and RockFort Temple.
#Pudukottai (PDKT)/#Karaikkudi (KKDI): Chettinad Palace and Cuisine.
#Sivagangai (SVG)
#Ramanathapuram (RMD): Ervadi Dargah.
#Rameshwaram (RMM): Pamban/IG Road Bridge, The Jyotirlinga Shrine of Ramanatha Swamy, Tracing the footpath of Lord Ram, Pitru Pinda Dhaan Kshetra, and Marine Biosphere.
#MajorRivers/Lakes/Water Bodies:
#MS: Couum and Adyar
#CGL: Kolavai Lake adjacent to the station, Palar after CGL, and Madurantagam Lake
#VM: Panampet Lake after VM
#CUPJ: South Pennar before Panruti, Kedilam before CUPJ, Vellar after CUPJ, and Coleroon after CDM
#MV: #Cauvery.
#TJ: Arasalar at KMU and Vennar, a tributary of Cauvery, before TJ. Also runs parallel to #Cauvery from MV to TPJ along one of the most fertile regions and the #ricebowl of TN.
#PDKT: Vellar
#RMD: Vaigai before PMK and Bay of Bengal (Palk Straits) before RMM.
#BriefHistory:
The Boat Mail’s history is a lot older than the popular perception. In the 19th century, the Boat Mail commenced its journey as a rail-cum-ferry service and was operated from #Madras (#Chennai) and #Talaimannar (#SriLanka) via #Tuticorin. The train service used to be till Tuticorin rather than the present day Rameshwaram. From Tuticorin, a steamer service used to carry passengers to Talaimannar. This train took almost a day to reach Tuticorin from Chennai and was equipped with vestibules as of 1898 itself (probably the first ever train to have such a facility). During those times, there was no rail or road connection between Mainland India and the Rameshwaram Island.
In 1914, the #Pamban Bridge was inaugurated (also a #Centurion) and rail connectivity was established between Chennai and Rameshwaram and the end point of Boat Mail was changed to the now defunct and Tsunami-ravaged ghost town of #Danushkodi for the convenience of lesser sea travel of just 35 km against a much longer travel from Tuticorin.
This service took passengers to the world-famous Dhanushkodi pier, where a steamer heading for Talaimannar in Sri Lanka was anchored adjacent to the railway station. Under a special arrangement, a combined rail-cum-ferry ticket was on sale for Talaimannar passengers using Boat Mail. Similarly, the ferry service fare from Talaimannar included rail ticket charges. The train was also known as “Indo-Ceylon Express.”
As people of high stature and foreigners traveled by this train, it was equipped with a canteen on wheels. There was no road link to Rameswaram Island those days, and as such adequate number of luggage vans was attached to this train for transporting goods to the island.
On December 24, 1964, a cyclone (now being acknowledged in some quarters as probably being a Tsunami) washed away the entire town of Dhanushkodi, the pier, and a fully-loaded passenger train proceeding to Dhanushkodi. The damage was irrevocable and the tracks are still buried under huge sand dunes of Dhanushkodi. One has to visit the place personally to understand the fury of nature. From then onwards, operations of the train were short-terminated at Rameshwaram. The services of Boat Mail were suspended in May 2003 on the main line owing to the closure of the track between Thanjavur and Kumbakonam for gauge conversion work. In the meantime, the Boat Mail was run via chord line after the completion of gauge conversion works on the Tiruchi-Rameswaram section. With the main line on the BG map, the train was promptly restored to its original route of Cuddalore, Mayiladuthurai, and Thanjavur joining at Tiruchirappalli.
#Specialty: Centurion (both Boat Mail and Pamban Viaduct).
#Conclusion: No doubt, Boat Mail is one of the #Legendary trains of India, continuing to serve the people tirelessly every day. The rakes of this train are not so good and require immediate attention. At least in the centenary year, IR should do justice to this train. Is SR listening?
***
Post Edited to include Cauvery crossing @ MV on clarification from one of our ever-reliable Admins, PSK.

#RCF Kapurthala Punjab by #BK (Biplob Kagyung)
# Profile
Established in 1986, RCF is a coach manufacturing unit of Indian Railways. RCF has already carved a niche in the industrial scenario of the country at large and Indian Railways, in particular. It has manufactured around 16000 passenger coaches of 51 different types including Self Propelled passenger vehicles which constitute over 35% of the total population of coaches on Indian Railways.
RCF...
more...

is equipped with a state-of-the-art CAD centre and CNC machines to undertake design and manufacture of Bogies, Shell (both with Stainless Steel and Corten Steel), FRP interiors as per customer’s requirement. The state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities and processes have enabled RCF to achieve excellence in Design, Development, Manufacture, Installation and After-sales service of Railway coaches with a view to ensure enhanced satisfaction of the Rail customer.
RCF has a strong tradition of innovating and developing new products and has a very wide manufacturing range of products which includes:-
• 1st AC Sleeper Coach (BG)
• 2 Tier AC Sleeper Coach (BG, MG)
• 3 Tier AC Sleeper Coach (BG)
• AC Inspection Coach (BG)
• AC Chair Car, Executive Class & Economy Class (BG, MG)
• AC Buffet Car (BG)
• AC Power Car (BG)
• MG Diesel Electrical Multiple Units
• Main Line Electrical Multiple Units (BG)
• Non-AC Sleeper Class Day Coach (BG)
• Non-AC General Coach (BG/MG)
• Non-AC Luggage-cum-Brake Van (BG/MG)
• Refrigerated Parcel Van (BG)
• Non AC Inspection Coach (BG)
• High Capacity Parcel Van (BG)
• Accident Relief Train (BG)
• Post Office Coach (BG)
• Coaching Container Flats (BG)
• Double Decker Coach (BG)
• Non-AC Day Coach (BG)
Recently, RCF has started production of coaches for Garib Rath trains, to provide low cost AC travel to Rail users. 4 rakes have been turned out till Feb. 2007.
Design, development and manufacture of AC 3 Tier coach with Roof Mounted AC Package Units by RCF has revolutionized AC travel in the country. Since 1998, High Speed AC Chair Cars and Generator Cars designed and manufactured by RCF have been running in New Delhi – Amritsar Shatabadi Express service of Indian Railways. Tested at upto 180 kmph, the vehicles feature Disc Brakes, Flexicoil Secondary Suspension, UIC Draw Gear and Panoramic Windows.
#Upgradation of Coach Technology
To bring a quantum jump in passenger coach technology and bring it to the contemporary world standards under Transfer of Technology Contract with M/s. Alstom-LHB, Germany, RCF has successfully rolled out Alstom-LHB design stainless steel coaches for Rajdhani & Shatabadi Express trains. The designs for Rajdhani coaches including lay outs, manufacturing drawings and specification etc. were entirely prepared by RCF. The bogies for these coaches are of FIAT design providing faster, comfortable and safe travel. RCF has now fully absorbed the state-of-the-art Technology for manufacturing stainless steel coaches. 350 nos. of stainless steel coaches in 13 different variants have already been manufactured by RCF. This breakthrough includes in-house development of 10 variants of stainless steel coaches to cater to the requirements of various classes of passenger travel on Indian Railways. 40 Rajdhani rakes of these state-of-the-art coaches are now running between New Delhi and State Capitals. RCF has also rolled out these superior coaches for Shatabadi trains for operation at 150 kmph to be the fastest train of Indian Railways. Special features of these state-of-the-art stainless steel coaches are:-
• Operational & Maintenance Superiority
• Stainless steel shell to eliminate corrosion.
• Extra passenger carrying capacity.
• Lower coach weight leading to lower hauling cost.
• Maximum operating speed of 160 kmph and tested upto 180 kmph.
• Disc brakes for efficient braking and lesser maintenance.
• Wheel slide protection prevents wheel flats.
• Maintenance free cartridge taper roller bearings.
• Better curve negotiation due to articulated control arm fitted with resilient bush.
• Lesser maintenance leading to improved availability.
• Improved Passenger Interface
• FIAT bogie which is an adoption of Eurofima design provides improved ride index of 2.5 at 160 kmph.
• Plush interiors.
• Improved panoramic view through bigger windows.
• Modular toilets with controlled discharge system to avoid soiling of station premises.
• Wider vestibules for easier intercoach movement.
• Improved Safety
• Centre Buffer Coupler with anti-climbing features.
• 4 emergency exit windows for faster passenger evacuation.
• Fire retardant furnishing.
Computer Aided Design and Manufacturing Facilities
RCF has developed into a centre of excellence in CAD/CAM and CAE Unigraphics version 13-standard. CAD software is used for design of all coaches and its components. RCF has also developed in-house capabilities in linear stress analysis of coach shell and bogie structure through the technique of Finite Element Model. Thrust in design and development is directed towards cost reduction, improvement in passenger amenities and comfort, safety of operation and reliability of equipment and ease of manufacture.
#State-of -the-Art Machines:
Following machines are installed and in use:
• Laser Profile Cutting Machines – 02 nos.
• Plasma Profile Cutting Machines – 02 nos.
• Underwater Plasma Cutting Machines – 02 nos.
• Robotic Spot Welding Machine – 01 no.
• Robotic Garnet Blasting Machine – 01 no.
• CNC Bogie Machining Centre – 01 no.
• CNC Bolster Machining Machine – 01 no.
• Robotic Welding for Bogie Frame – 01 no.
• CNC Bed Milling Machine – 01 no.
• CNC Cold Roll Forming Machine – 01 nos.
• CNC Cut to Length Line – 01 no.
• CNC Press Brake (100Tons to 1000 Tons)
• CNC Shearing Centre – 01 no.
• Semi Automatic Painting Booths - 03
• Laser Profile Cutting & Welding Machine – 01 no.
• Laser Profile Cutting Machine – 02 nos.
• Laser Profile Cutting Machine – 01 no.
• Laser Profile Cutting & Welding Machine – 01 no.
• Spot Welding Machine – 01 no.
• Robotic Welding Machine for Bogie Bolster and Frame – 01 no.
#Future Expansion
• Setting up of in-house facilities for machining & assembly of wheel sets at an estimated cost of Rs. 28.46 Crores.
• Augmentation of infrastructure to enhance coach production at an estimated cost of Rs. 63 crores.
#Marketing / Exports
• In 2000-01, exported 72 MG bogies to Vietnam National Railways.
• In 2005-06, exported 36 No’s MG coaches to Myanmar Railways. In 2006-07, exported 20 No’s Day coaches to PTB, Senegal. RCF has also bagged an export order of 50 coaches to Senegal, Mali. Out of these, 10 coaches have been dispatched in Nov. 2006.
#Domestic Sales
RCF has designed, manufactured and supplied:
• 28 nos. Postal Vans to Department of Posts in the year 2000-01 and a repeat supply of 25 nos. Postal Vans in the year 2004-05.
• 06 nos. Special Purpose coaches to DRDO in 1999-2000 and a repeat supply of 06 nos. in 2005-06.
• 16 AC coaches (04 nos. 2-Tier and 12 nos. 3-Tier) to Ministry of Defence in 2001-02. Further, 32 No’s AC coaches (21 No’s 3-Tier and 11 No’s AC 2-Tier) were supplied in Oct 2005 (21 No’s AC 3-Tier) and Feb. 2006 (11 No’s AC 2-Tier coaches).
#ISO-9001 (Quality Management System)
RCF is committed to achieve excellence in design, development, manufacture, installation and servicing of Railway coaches and other products so as to ensure continued customer satisfaction at competitive cost. Towards this commitment, RCF became the first Production Unit of Indian Railways to achieve ISO-9001 certification in 1995.
#ISO 14001 (Environmental Management System)
Continued improvement in environment standards has been one of the focus areas of RCF for the benefit of the society at large. Today with its serene atmosphere, all around greenery, about 2 lacs trees, lake complex, golf course, kayaking club and boating channel, RCF is the proud owner of one of the best Township in the country. The environmental standards apart from providing pleasant surroundings to its work-force residing in the township, also provide protection to its sophisticated machinery and plant from the otherwise adverse atmosphere. In order to maintain and preserve the blissful environment, RCF has achieved ISO- 14001 for the entire RCF complex including residential area.

***** #Know Your Train *****
.
#Panchavati Express
~~~ The Lifeline of Nashik ~~~
.
...
more...

#Date of #Introduction: 01.06.1973
.
#Name: Panchavati means “Garden of Five Banyan Trees”. These trees were present during Lord Rama’s exile. Panchavati is an area in Nashik City, on the banks of the river Godavari. The area has immense religious importance, being one of the sites for Kumbh Mela. The area also has the famous Kala Ram Temple. Since the train connects Nashik District to Mumbai, it is termed Panchavati Express.
.
#Regions: #MH – Passes through Konkan & Khandesh regions, through Nashik, Thane and Mumbai Districts.
.
#Zone: It passes through Central Railway – Mumbai and Bhusaval Divisions
.
#Rivers: Mithi, Ulhas, Vaitarna
.
#Language: It serves Marathi speaking belt
.
#Physical regions: Passes through Kasara Ghats (Western Ghats)
.
#Soils: It passes through regions having black alluvial soil and red soil.
.
#State and #Zone: It serves 1 state and 1 zone (Maharashtra, Central Railway) having 8 intermediate halts in both the directions.
.
#Speed: Max average speed: 82 kmph between Igatpuri and Devlali
Min average Speed: 43 kmph between Mumbai CST and Dadar. The track MPS is 110, restricted usually to 105 kmph max and is further reduced in Thull Ghats
.
#Base: Manmad Jn
.
Miscellaneous #Trivia:
a. Originally connected Nashik to Mumbai, later extended to Manmad
b. Used to run with Double Decker coaches a few years ago
c. Has the distinction of being host to a wedding on-board in its AC Chair Car coach recently
d. Connects Mumbai with Nashik, a region rich in onions and grapes.
------
Photo Courtesy: All the pictures have been taken from the Train Gallery.

#Know_Your_Train
.
#DeccanQueen
A prestigious and legendary, high priority ISO Certified train
.
...
more...

#Date of #Introduction: 01.06.1930
.
#Name: The area around Western Ghats, is known as Deccan Plateau which extends to South. Since the train passes through the region, it is named as Deccan Queen.
.
#Regions: #MH – Passes through Paschim Maharashtra and Konkan regions, through Pune, Raigad, Thane and Mumbai Districts.
.
#Zone: It passes through Central Railway – Pune & Mumbai Divisions
.
#Rivers: Mula, Indrayani, Ulhas, Mithi
.
#Language: It serves Marathi speaking belt
.
#Physical regions: Passes through Bor Ghats (Sahyadri Mountains) in NW Deccan Plateau
.
#Soils: It passes through regions having black alluvial soil and red soil.
.
#State and #Zone: It serves 1 state and 1 zone (Maharashtra, Central Railway) having 2 intermediate halts in UP and 3 intermediate halts in DOWN Direction
.
#Speed: Max average speed: 76 kmph between Lonavala and Shivajinagar
Min average Speed: 40 kmph between Karjat and Lonavala. The track MPS is 110, restricted usually to 105 kmph max and is further reduced to 60 kmph in the Bor Ghats.
.
#Base: Pune
.
#Pantry Food: The most delicious and quality pantry food, popular items onboard being Cheese Toast, Cutlet Bread, Omelette Bread, Fish Fry, etc.
.
Miscellaneous #Trivia:
a. India’s SF passenger train
b. India’s first passenger train to be hauled by electric loco end to end since inception
c. India’s only train with a Dining Car
d. A few years ago, the train used to get a royal departure, with Shehnai being played on PF-1 of Pune. This practice was going on since many years, until it was stopped in the recent past.
e. Famous station food en-route includes the Chikki at Lonavala and Diwadkar Wada Pav at Karjat.
------
Photo Courtesy: The train board has been clicked by me. Rest all the pictures have been taken from the IRI Gallery and copyright vests with the original photographers.

Know Your Train
Mandovi Express
One of the fav, maintained KR train.
It was initially was a metre gauge train between Miraj and Vasco.
~
...
more...

#Name: Mandovi is an important river in Goa. Since the train belongs to KR, and goes upto Madgaon crossing Mandovi River it is named as Mandovi Express.
~
#Rivers: It crosses 5major rivers enroute viz Vaghton, Vashisthi, Savitri, Chapora, Mandovi.
~
#State_n_Zone: It serves 2 zones having halt as CR 4, KR 16 , and server 2states as MH: 16, GA: 4
~
#Route: Train traverses through importan Cstm Mao route for entire journey.
~
#Speed: MAX: Mangaon-Khed 82kmph. MIN: Karmali-MAO 19kmph.
~
#Region: It connects 2 sister language and almost similar region ie Konkan Maharashtra with Goa. It connects Marathi and Konkani speaking region.