Climbing the "Monkey Hill" Sholingur Trip.

Ramki and Pawan posing near the Temple Tank at Sholingur.


August 9th, 2008.

Plan:
1. Boarding local train from Saidapet to Guindy at around 06:00hrs
2. Taking 103SR Pondicherry Passenger from Guindy till Chengalpet.
3. Arokkonam Passenger from Chengalpet to Arokkonam.
4. Arokkonam to Sholinghur by bus to visit the Narasimha temple on top of hill.
5. Return by bus from Sholingur to Arokkonam.
6. Then board any of the Chennai Central bound Express trains or EMU back to Chennai.

But God had different plans that day. The plans went for a big six!

Morning: 0515hrs

It was still dark, I used the torchlight in my mobile phone and moved with caution taking care not to disturb sleeping dogs in the dark. I moved at sub walking speed. Slowly, I pulled out of my street and I came near the Adyar Canal. I visualized a T/P and started walking fast. (For non-rail fans, T/P indicates termination of caution order and means that the train can now move fast).

I boarded a 23C to reach Saidapet. While on bus, I called Ramki. No response! Has he slept off? I reached Saidapet a bit early and boarded an EMU to Guindy Railway Station. Pawan joined me at Guindy. And we waited for Ramki to arrive. I had my own doubts. I had the feeling that Ramki might have slept.


Chengalpet Lake. Pic taken from 103 Egmore-Pondicherry Passenger which stopped at Chengalpet outer.

As guessed, Ramki has slept. He got up at 06:15hrs and came directly to GDY around 06:50hrs just a few minutes before 103SR arrived at Guindy. I had purchased the tickets earlier for him so he came to the platform directly. AJJ WAM-4#21275 was the power for my train 103SR. The LP’s were in an aggressive mood. The train entered the platform at a high speed like an EMU. We started from GDY on time, but we had some caution orders so we slowed down. At St. Thomas Mount, my train slowed down, as there was a caution order of 15kmph and we crawled through the station. I could observe a couple of young women walking near the tracks. As WAM-4 honked, they shut their ears and closed their eyes. They got afraid of WAM-4’s honk. I guess that they were going to work. I was happy to see India progressing. Women are now coming out of houses and actively participating in world events. With one more week, for the nation’s Independence Day, I really thought, India women have really attained freedom.

After St. Thomas Mount, my train started accelerating. With horns blaring, my train blasted through the sub-urban stations. I took care to see that Ramki and Pawan didn’t stand near the door. I was nearly 5 years senior to them and it was my duty to take care of them especially Ramki. While crossing Perungalathur, WDM-3D#11201 came with 2634 CAPE-MS Kanya Kumari Express. Near Urapakkam, Ramki spotted WDP-3A#15504 with 2662 Pothigai Express. Near Kattangulathur, we saw twin WAG-5’s 23126+23122 with a good’s rake standing in the loop line and we overtook it. Awesome scenario! Just visualize as I say. Dark clouds, immediate threats of rains, not much of light, little bit of moisture in the air, with little grass near the tracks.


View from Sholingur Hill.

I am a fan of such locations and sceneries. My train reached Chengalpet on time. Since Pawan has visited Sholingur many times, he instantly volunteered to purchase tickets. I could have purchased a ticket to Arokkonam via Chengalpet, but I didn't do that. I wonder why? That cost me the entire trip! I assumed that a ticket to AJJ wouldn't be available via CGL and I thought that 15 minutes time would be enough to purchase another ticket. We waited in the platform as Pawan went and stood in the queue. The queue was very long. We still had 15 minutes. Here comes the most ill fated moment of the trip. Pawan was given the task of getting for the journey between Chengalpet and Arokkonam. The lady clerk at the booking counter told that such a train doesn't exist and she can't give a ticket. Pawan argued that the train did exist and pointed to the locomotive, which was ready to haul the train. It was a TNP WDM-2. The Lady clerk asked him to inquire with the Loco-pilot and asked him to come directly avoiding the queue. Pawan believed this word and came out of the queue. I told Pawan that she must be new or a transfer to this section, so I asked Pawan to go back and get the tickets. Pawan directly approached the booking clerk. Pretending as if she hasn’t seen him before, she asked him to come in the queue. The queue was very big. If we had stood in the queue it would take more time and we would be missing the train. Pawan got worried and called me and as I neared the queue the crowd got a bit upset.

When I reached the queue, the public thought I was wasting time and they were more eager to purchase their own tickets as Guruvayur Express would be arriving at CGL in another half an hour. No one was willing to listen to us. Then I went to the booking clerk room entrance and from there I asked her along with Pawan. She blasted at me asking whether I can understand 'Tamizh' and whether I had common sense.

Grrr! Grr! Grr!! Praang. The engine was ready to start. I knew it’s useless talking to her. Suddenly, the loco made a typical diesel engine noise deafening everyone. I felt as if Lord Narasimha was going to come out of the engine to punish this lady clerk. But sadly, only a dark cloud of smoke came out. Charcoal was applied on my face.

She must be in her 50's. She was elder to me. I did think of complaining to the Station Master but I didn't want her to lose her job. I know how tough it is to get a job. Having good marks, certifications, I suffered for a proper job for more than 1and a half years. I felt that I should downplay this incident and I tried my best to overcome my anger. I didn't want to hit on her daily food. In life there are lot of people who use words without measuring the impact it creates. But I can't be reacting to everything. Rather, I would ignore it. Her family might be reliant on her. Why to show my anger on her? The world is moving towards peace.

TNP WDM-2#17750 honked and started with the Arokkonam Passenger. The loco honked again. I thought that locomotive was quite happy with the decision I have made now. I have missed a train for the first time in my life! But I have learnt an important lesson in life. Self Control! I learn many things with the Indian Railways. If life could be so tough, my beloved engines are there to teach me. I could have gone to Arokkonam from Chennai Central but the plan was to take the Chengalpet-Arokkonam route which is a single line section. I have doing MAS-AJJ loads of time and it could be boring!

We had no options now than opting for bus. We went to Chengalpet Bus Stand and boarded a bus to Kanchipuram. The bus went near the train track for almost the entire length of the journey. We saw GOC WDM-2#17750 with Tirupati-Pondicherry Passenger somewhere before Kanchipuram. We got down at Kanchipuram. Had our breakfast at Kanchipuram(CJ). Onion Dosas and Poori Masala. Yummmy!!! Spicy Food!

Then we boarded a bus to Arokkonam. This journey was the slowest one. The bus was moving slow and never went above 35kmph average. By this time, we would have been in Arokkonam if we had taken the train. I could observe electrification terminating after Takkolam station. I could also see the Air Force Base near Takkolam. The section between Takkolam and Arokkonam is not electrified due to the Air Force base. Mumbai-Nagercoil Express takes this route and it bypasses Chennai. We boarded another bus at Arokkonam to reach Sholingur.



View from Sholingur Hill

The Sholinghur hill was 1/3 of the Tirupati Hill in my opinion. Approximately, 1350steps. We decided to climb in a typical rail fan style. We were warned of monkeys in advance. We purchased wooden sticks below to shoo away the monkeys, while Pawan purchased all necessary items for pooja. We started to climb in a railfan way. Ramki (WAP-4) was the lead loco, Pawan was the coach and I was the banker(WAG-7). Cracking jokes we started climbing the hill. Calling out CO’s, virtual signals, signs, aspects we started with our train. For sometime I decided to forget the so called professionalism and I tried my best to mingle with the teenage generation. I was in the rear and Ramki was leading. Pawan was being escorted. The reason was monkeys over here were known for snatching up anything from devotees. Coconut, chocolates, flowers, plastic bags. We negotiated a couple of curves and started accelerating up hill. Shared jokes. Monkeys were all around us. I felt like climbing Monkey Hill.

We were soon attacked by Monkeys. One of the monkeys came near Pawan and caught hold of his wooden stick. I wondered what was wrong. All pooja items were kept safely in the backpack. What did this monkey desire for? Aah! It seems Pawan took out his Polo roll. The mint with the hole. The monkey was eagerly asking for it and was showing out its hand. Pawan got afraid. Meanwhile, Ramki and myself started running away leaving Pawan alone with the monkey. For a moment, our imaginary train parted. Now the banker(myself) was in the front, followed by Ramki(lead loco). And what about our load Pawan? He was fighting with the monkey. It was loads of fun when Pawan pleaded with the monkey to leave him.

He then threw the Polo and the monkey went in search of it. Later, Pawan slammed us for leaving him. This incident is something similar to that of the Loco-Pilot and the Asst.Loco-Pilot jumping out of the engine after finding a pack of monkeys inside the locomotive. We were gasping for breath and laughing too. We sat and took rest for around 15 minutes thinking about the funny incident.

Sholingur Temple Gopuram.

If you associate your life with the Indian Railways, life could be so easy. We climbed further and atlast after nearly 50 minutes of climbing we reached the top. After seeing the deity we took some rest and started our descent. This time a monkey came near Ramki and started holding his T-shirt. After Ramki pleaded, the monkey left him. Now everyone felt that monkeys would target me next. A couple of them came near me, but didn’t do anything. We decided to go in bunches. So we waited and formed a group of 10. But monkeys being our ancestors were smarter than us. I could observe a bunch of 10 monkeys waiting for us in the next bend. They were also forming a battalion. Funny! One of them had a stick in its hand.


A monkey performs acrobatic stunts. I didn't take much photographs fearing the monkeys would snatch the camera mobile from me.

And by 15:30hrs we had climbed down the hill. We boarded a bus to Arokkonam. There was an EMU ready to depart to Chennai Beach. Ramki would be going to Saidapet, myself till Chennai Beach and Pawan was to get down at Perambur. Then I would board an MRTS EMU to Kasturibai Nagar at Chennai Beach. That was the return plan.

My EMU halted at all stations. It was a boring return journey in my opinion. EMU's could be boring. WAP-4#22646 was spotted with an outgoing express near Puliya Mangalam. WAP-4#22580 was the power for Trivandrum Express and was spotted at Tiruvallur. WAG-5#23479 was seen hauling a BCNA rake near Putlur. Twin WAG-5#23899+23769 hauled a BCNA rake near Hindu College. Raining WAG-5’s!! 23483+23426 was seen near Avadi hauling a loaded coal rake. I was feeling tired. I have done big trips, but for this trip I felt tiredness. Ramki and Pawan were still raring to go. I took my seat and decided to take rest while the young boys stood near the door. I was a bit worried, but I monitored them regularly. While Kacheguda Express was spotted in the distance, Ramki even called me to the door. But I preferred to take rest.

AJJ WAM-4#20549 ripped past us with 7651 MS-KCG Express as our EMU halted at Annanur. Near Villivakkam, I came to the door and waited to spot the evening Shatabdi to SBC. It was hauled by WAP-1#22010. Pawan got down at Perambur. My train reached Vyasarpadi Jeeva Jn and then took the line towards Chennai Beach. Instead of getting down at Central, I was to get down at Beach and from there I can easily board an EMU to Kasturibai Nagar. My EMU went via Washermanpet, Royapuram and then reached MSB. I bid goodbye to Ramki and then I boarded an EMU to Kasturibai Nagar. I reached my house at 1845hrs. My adopted dog Damien was waiting for me near the house gates.

-Krishna Kumar.S

Madurai revisited after 15 years-Part I

Meenakshi Amman/Goddess Parvati. Note the characteristic parrot on Her shoulder.


I visited Madurai in May 2008 to attend the reception and wedding of SR's Senior Loco-Pilot's daughter. I accompanied Vimalakar and Poochi Venkat. As usual, just like other big trips, I entered into the trip at the last moment. I had just finished graduation and I was having some personal work, but I decided to join Vimal and Poochi for this trip. I boarded a local EMU to Fort from Kasturibai Nagar around 05:30hrs and at Fort I boarded another local towards Egmore. While I was entering Egmore, I could see 103SR Pondicherry Fast Passenger leaving with a WDM-3D. I was quite far away, so couldn’t note the numbers, but I know it was a WDM-3D.

I waited for Vimal to come from Pazhavanthangal(PZA). I had no cameras. Not even mobile. My mobile failed and I was going without a mobile for a major trip. Around 06:45hrs Vimal came to MS. Vimal and myself enquired in the enquiry counter and got the confirmed location of our seat. Since we booked it at the last moment our tickets were waitlisted. Vimalakar somehow managed to get it confirmed. Thanks Vimal. Vimal and myself were in the 3rd coach from the last while my friend Poochi Venkat was in the front end of the train and was traveling in 3AC. We didn't meet Poochi before departure, but we met him only after reaching Madurai.

We had breakfast at VLR, Egmore. I noticed that Egmore VLR was inaugurated on my birthday!! 27th July, 1986. Even the year was same! I was a bit surprised. My friend Dilip has noticed this many times and have told me earlier, but I saw this for the first time only now. I saw WAP-4#22548 coming with 2632 Nellai Express. I saw WDP-3A#15504 with 2638 Pandian Express. What happened to the usual KJM WDP-4 link? Why was it missing? Has it failed? The answer came after an hour. Keep reading. Vimal and myself were conversing in a rail man’s language. A man in Loco-Pilot uniform was observing us. He had a hidden smile in his face. He understood that we are rail fans.

We got WAP-4#22618 till Villupuram. The power was actually noted by Aravind from South Cabin(Aravind's Saidapet residence) and later he informed us through SMS. Aravind is quite lucky to have his house near the tracks! I got the aisle seat. I was wondering whether I would enjoy the trip because I haven't got a window seat. My train was accelerating fast and was doing good speed even before crossing Nungambakkam. Vimal said that it could be WDM-3D (before starting). I said that it gets a WAP-4 till VM. As we crossed Mambalam, we both came to the conclusion that it should be a WAP-4 because of the pickup but still Vimal had his own doubts. I was a bit optimistic that it was a WAP-4. As my train neared Saidapet, I came to one of the free window seats and waved at Aravind who was waving out to us from his balcony. He was also coming to Madurai, but he was boarding the evening Kanya Kumari Express along with Gowri Sankar and Seshu sir. We would be attending both the marriage and the reception and they would be attending only the marriage.

I forget all tensions in life when I am with the railways. All the engines have been good supportive Comrades and whenever I am down they have let their invisible hands over my shoulders to support my mild burdens of life. I feel lucky. I am one of the luckiest persons in this world. The reason is that God has given me a medicine for tensions(if there is any?). I forget everything in life when I see a fast express train thundering past me. The exact reason of why I got this strange love for machines is still a mystery. These iron horses are my brothers and sisters! And ofcourse you! You are also precious to me.


Lord Vishnu gives away the bride to Lord Shiva(groom). Lord Vishnu plays the role of a responsible brother.

Praang!!! What was that?

It was 2694 Pearl City tearing near Palavanthangal. Vimal commented that the train was doing great speed hauled by a WDM-2. He felt even our WAP-4 was running slightly slow when compared to Pearl City. Then I saw 7614 RMM-MS Sethu Express tearing across my train. Then came the news.

The news was that WDP-4 hauling Pandian had failed near VM. At VM, Pandian got its loco changed to WDP-3A class. The failed WDP-4 was later attached to 6116 PDY-MS Express and was hauled by an AJJ WAP-1. I spotted that train near Singa Perumal Koil. Infact, it was Vimal who spotted the WDP-4. Unfortunately, he couldn't note the dippy number. I sent a message to Aravind saying that "your favourit dippy has failed". Aravind in an SMS later confirmed this and even sent an SMS to Chennai gang saying "Sad News: Dippy kutty has failed".

Vimal and myself then got busy with our talks. We talked about US invasion of Iraq and how Jihadis and Taliban arose? Lots of facts! Blah Blah.. We do talk rail stuffs, but too much of train stuffs could be boring. WAG-7#27492 Erode shed loco was spotted at Melmaruvathur. It had taken the loop, giving us the preference. The run between Melmaruvathur and Tindivanam was too good. We had a halt at Tindivanam. Vimal went for a short nap. We were put in loop at Mailam for about 10 minutes. This was where my train lost precious time.

It halted for more than 10 minutes!! AJJ WAP-4#22603 SUPER MONSTER came in with 2606 TPJ-MS Pallavan Super Fast Express. It was too fast and the train was doing MPS. Horns blaring! But Vimalakar was still sleeping! We reached Villupuram some 15 mins late. We had a loco change. Since we were in the 22nd coach, we didn't make any efforts to go to the front. From here, twin WDM-2's took over the job of hauling the train as beyond Villupuram there is no electrification. I got down and bought veg-briyani packets and water bottles. Charismatic curves, village type sceneries awaited me. For the first time in my life, I was to do a section beyond VM in daylight. I have done this route earlier, but not during the day!

For some unknown reason, my train halted for more than 10 minutes at Villupuram. We started at VM at around 1050hrs. The train negotiated a long curve before Kandambakkam. The train's pickup was too good. Guess what? We got twin WDM-2#16883 with 16882 leading the way. For every notch, both locos were equally synchronized and they let out puffs of smoke at the same time. Treat! Excellent performance. The acceleration was too good. It was a treat for the eyes to watch such scenes. We were put on loop at Ulundurpet, a small wayside station after Villupuram. I could see that already WDP-3A#15533 was in loop with a passenger.

It was the Madurai-Villupuram passenger. Sluggard! He takes 12 hours to do 334km I guess. The great thing was I was to return by this train a couple of days later!! Keep reading. That was one of my best slow passenger journeys in my life.

I wondered when we would reach Madurai. Delayed by an hour? As I wondered, KJM WDP-4#200xx came with 2636 Vaigai Express and crossed us. It seems that Vaigai has already arrived at UDL and was waiting at the outer. After Vaigai crossed, my train was given clearance. Then came small stations like Parikkal, Puvanur(??) and Meppuliyur. Parikkal reminded me of the Narasimha Temple. We blasted through those stations. My train entered Virudhachalam Jn, at least 45mins late. Poochi Venkat called Vimal and said that the train was at least 40-50mins late. Poochi was wondering why I wasn't updating the gang through SMS using distribution list? Sad, no one knew that my mobile was down!

I could observe the lines towards Salem and Cuddalore Port at VRI. Electrification was in progress in the Villupuram-Tiruchi section. After Virudhachalam our next halt was Ariyalur. We did manage to compensate for lost time. Poochi called us again and told that we would be reaching on time due as there was good amount of buffer in timetables. We had a scheduled short halt at Sri Rangam too. Nagercoil-Mumbai Express crossed us near SRGM (Sri Rangam). We reached Tiruchi 30 minutes late. I bought Sambar Rice and Curd Rice. Vimal got busy with Curd Rice while I got busy with Sambar rice. After having it, I opened the Fanta bottle. Vimal personally requested not to have soft drinks after having masala stuffs. It causes acidity or stomach problems. I decided to follow with his advice. Well-he is elder to me!


The next section was a very interesting one. TPJ-MDU. It involved scenic mountains, curves and lonely stations. Given a chance I would build a small house here and settle for good and do farming. The fact about me is that I have never traveled much in Indian Railways!! My journeys are restricted to fast passengers, EMU's or short distance UR travels. Or else, I do the same route again and again like MS-VM-TPJ or MAS-KPD. All these reasons gave me extra energy, so I decided to stand near the door and enjoy the scene. I have never seen the VM-MDU section in the daytime. So this was the right time for me. I took caution while standing near the door.

I could see passenger trains and freighters put on loop as my train blasted through at good speed. The twin engines were too powerful. Near Pungudi, I could see WDM-2#17711+another WDM-2 with 6128 GUV-MS express. The brother of my current train! Brothers are very passionate and helpful and care amongst themselves. These trains proved this fact. To assist its senior, the junior has stopped and taken the loop, while the Senior (6127) acknowledged Junior’s sacrifice (6128) by a honk and went past. The Station Master was in white shirt and white pant holding a green flag. At this instance, white shirt depicted peace and the green flag depicted that peace/mutual adjustment was the right way in life. As twin WDM-2's teared across hauling my train at 100kph+, the green flag in the station master's hand appeared to have curled. Classic sight.

We had a halt at Manaparai. By this time we were only half an hour late and we have managed to compensate some time. Great work Comrade Pilots! And bonus news. Manaparai is famous for "murukku" a popular dish. Our next halt was Dindigul Jn. I spotted YDM-4#6286 at DG. Vimal even took a pic. I was in an escalated mood. Train journeys in India is definitely exciting. I thanked God for giving humans a lot of things to relish. Too bad that people are wasting time in terrorism. I feel sorry for them. After Tiruchi, many passengers got down and my coach wasn't crowded at all. I wondered why? Vimalakar and myself had one full bay for us now. Vimal settled in lower berth and went for a short nap but woke up soon. I was shunting between the doors and my window seat and I was roaming around as if it was my own backyard. Amazing! In life true love is found only through mother. If you find a near equivalent in anyone else, then you have won your life! I may not be a big shot or a popular guy, but I noticed and felt that love in Indian Railway locomotives. Not only in locomotives and also with other humans. I don't care about what's gonna happen in future, I know I have won life in one way.



Pic Courtesy Vimalakar. N.C. GOC YDM-4#6286 resting at Dindigul Jn.

Adding to my joy, the weather also changed and it became cool. It slightly drizzled too. I rushed to the bay and woke Vimalakar and asked him to take photos. Vimal started taking photos. The weather became cold. I could see my train going amidst mountains. The run from DG till MDU was great! I enjoyed it very much. I got content in life. I don't need anything else. What I have now is more than enough. The speed was good, if not the best and the scenario was awesome. Thanks to the timely rain the weather was too good. Remember, Madurai is known for its extreme heat conditions. We reached Madurai on time! Our train had a lot of buffer time. Especially between TPJ-MDU. We met Poochi and together we went to the front to observe what was happening.

The twin WDM-2's were removed. A ED WDM-2 (I forgot the number) was to continue from MDU! We could observe a young Assistant. By judging him, I could observe that he was slightly tensed or rather excited. He was raring to go. As the train left MDU, we noticed that the rear 7 coaches were removed and the train appeared pretty short.
Along with Poochi, Vimalakar and myself discussed our next move. We then proceeded towards Hotel Pearls. The room had a nice A/C. At this time, we got a message from Gowri Sankar saying that he was onboard 2633 KK Express along with Aravind and Seshu.

We refreshed ourselves and got ready. Poochi and Vimal were discussing seriously about caution orders, Loco pilot skills and other incidents in Indian Railways. Poochi showed his personal booklet-a Xerox of handbook, which shows the caution orders between the sections of MAS-SBC, MAS-BZA, and MS-TPJ. I was amazed at Poochi and Vimalakar's interest in Railways. I am not interested in such technical details at all, so I simply watched them talk.

I was in Loco Pilot uniform to attend the reception. Even one of the loco-pilots commented that,"Even I don't wear that uniform, but you have so much respect for it". The truth is a railman is never a railfan. Our dear friend welcomed us with a smile. He instantly recognized Poochi and Vimal. I was a bit surprised when he recognized me. Generally, people get confused as there are two KK's in our Gang.

Few programmes were conducted to entertain us. South Indian lifestyle wedding! Eventhough Chennai is a part of South India it is still different from other places like Tiruchi, Madurai, Tirunelveli. Chennai is becoming an IT hub and lot of people are becoming modern but down south people are conservative. That is something I appreciate! Conservativeness.

The competitions were interesting and humorous.

* Few women were called on to the stage and were given plastic balls. They were to throw them into a basket and whoever scores the maximum is declared the winner. A bit ordinary eh? Keep reading. You would find it interesting.

* A pack of straws were given. Ladies should pick them up and stack it on top of their heads. Weird game. The one with the maximum straws within a time would be the winner. The funniest part came when the winners posed with their husbands, along with straws on their heads.

* Men were called on stage. Bachelors only. Poochi and Vimalakar yelled at the top of their voices so that our dear friend would hear and call me to the stage. But it didn't happen. I wondered what sort of competition it could be. The participants were given lipsticks and paper. They are to kiss the paper. They were given a minute time. The one with maximum number of kiss impressions would be declared the winner. Thank God! I wasn't there. Poochi and Vimalakar burst into a laughter. I asked them the reason-the reply was funny. They were imagining how I would have done!


6127 MS-GUV Express negotiates a curve somewhere between TPJ-MDU.

We met other loco-pilots too and we had our dinner together at the reception. I spent time interacting with them. Senior KK was coming for the marriage from Ooty. Around 01:00hrs, Poochi and Vimal went to MDU station to receive Sr. KK. But KK's train was running late and was still at Dindigul at that time. Poochi and Vimal returned to the room. The doorbell rang. I was half-asleep. Sleepingly, I walked and opened the door. Poochi was surprised, "Hey, he has opened the door quickly".

Around 04:00hrs Poochi and Vimal went to receive Sr.KK and his family. They have already arrived. Poochi and Vimal returned again for another short nap. I opened the door. They were quite surprised. I guess they didn't expect to open the door soon. Around 04:45hrs, Poochi got up and asked me to get ready first. With Vimal and Poochi taking the loop, I got ready.


Sateilite View of Madurai Meenakshi Amman Temple.

Readers should know onething. I am also called as KK or Junior KK by my school friends and rail club. Then there is also a senior person with the same name and he got the name as Sr.KK. Wonder why I had a different name of “Official” at college rather than the traditional KK. The reason could be due to the fact that I always wear formals and I detest wearing T-shirts with slogans nor jeans.

Our MAS gang members have arrived by 2633 around 0230hrs in the morning. We had booked a room for them at Madurai station itself. As I returned from bath, I noticed that Poochi was talking over the phone with Aravind. Poochi was telling, “We are all coming with KK and his family and kids”. Aravind really thought otherwise. He didn’t know Sr.KK was coming and mistook me. Later, Poochi imitated Aravind’s reaction, “Jr. KK vikku adhukulla kuzhandhaiya?”.

My Return Journey Plan:

1. Madurai to Tiruchi by bus with Vimal. Then Vimal will board an overnight A/C Bus from Tiruchi to Chennai and will travel alone to MAS. I would return alone to Chennai after staying at my uncle's place at TPJ for a night.
2. Tiruchi to Villupuram by MDU-VM Passenger.
3. Villupuram to Chennai by bus, Vaigai or 104SR.

We visited Thiruparungunram and Meenakshi Amman Temples. Then we bid goodbye to Poochi and Sr.KK. They were returning by 2662 Podhigai Express in the evening. We left Madurai in the noon. Vimal and myself boarded a bus to Tiruchi. I bet that Vimal would never forget this bus journey in his life. The bus shook wildly and was unfit for travel. I wondered that the tyres, nuts and bolts would come out before we reach TPJ. The bus halted at Virali Malai (not sure but I think that should be the place). I got down and bought some snacks. The location was good. It was something like a wayside hotel. I could see cows, donkeys and goats. Tractors on the roll! They were coupled to small wagons. I could see distant mountains. The weather was hot. I need to accept it. I was perspiring a lot. Vimal was very tired.

-To be continued...

Madurai revisited after 15 years-Part II

The bus driver seems to be a regular visitor to the hotel. He was talking quite friendly with the owner. They were given free meals I guess. Well it happens in India. When bus drivers halt at hotel, the hotels get a lot of business. The owners in return give the drivers free meals.

After 30 minutes halt, we started towards TPJ. I could observe many engineering colleges being constructed. We arrived at Tiruchi Bus Stand after 3 hours of travel and boarded another local bus towards Government Hospital. My uncle was waiting there with the tickets. After brief introductions, Vimal bid farewell with the A/C bus tickets. I spent the evening with mama, chithappa and kutty cousin sisters. They insisted that I should return by A/C Bus if not a train. They said that TPJ-VM passenger run would be tiring. But I decided to carry on with my plan.

The next day morning, I got ready for my passenger journey trip. I was a bit excited as I know this could go down in my memories as one of my best journeys in Indian Railways. Chithappa accompanied me to give a send off. Ticket counters at TPJ were a bit crowded, so I decided to board the train at Sri Rangam. We went to Sri Rangam by bus from TPJ. I purchased the tickets only till VM. I was still unsure whether to return by 104SR PDY-MS Passenger or 2636 MDU-MS Vaigai Express or by bus. SRGM to VM cost Rs.27 in a passenger. Later, this ticket would go to my collections of tickets and would be preserved as an antique. Only a nutcase(railnut) like me would board a passenger.

I saw twin WDG-3A in 3D livery with a rake of empty flatbed cars. I mistook it for WDM-3D infact. There was no sign of my train and so we started with our personal talks. My chithappa was actually working in GOC Administration section but later took VRS. He recollected his experiences traveling with Loco Inspectors and Officers. Footplating was boring to him. Mostly painful experiences. He regards Railway job as a hectic job. He said that no rail man is a rail fan. Then later he recollected his experiences of footplating Pandian, Nellai, Vaigai and Pallavan Expresses. He has even footplated WDP-3A, WDM-2's. I could have used his influence-many time but I didn't wish to do it. Man! He has been in all prestigious trains!

WDM-2#17519 GOC came with MDU-VM passenger. It was late at SRGM by half an hour. But the train had a lot of buffers so I was positive that it would reach on time. The train was crowded! It had good patronage. All seats were full. I tried checking a few coaches and I got a seat in one. I kept my luggages in it and came to the door. Taking caution, I started practising my favourite hobby. My train halted at all stations. Valadi was one interesting station. It had a VLR. It was a good place to rail fan overnight I guess. The station layout impressed me.

Lalgudi, Kattur, Pullambadi, Kallakudi Palanganatham were some of the stations which I noticed as I proceeded with my journey. I could observe light diesel locos were waiting in loop at many stations. Once my train entered the station they departed. Throughout my run till VM, I saw 3 such locos in same fashion. Kallakudi, Sillakudi and then came Ariyalur. I expected a few people to get down. Few people did get down. But more people got in. So I came back to my seat-to preserve it. Otta Kovil, Vellur Halt, Sendurai, Mathur, Ichangadu, Pennadam were some of the station names I saw after Ariyalur. My WDM-2 hauled train was trying its best to perform like an EMU, but somewhere something was missing.

It was at Ichangadu my train was made to wait for about 15 mins for no reason. I thought that there would be an overtake. At least a goods crossing. But nothing. When my train reached Virudhachalam, many people got down. I got a window seat from here.

Praang!!! Typical GOC horn. WDP-3A came with a passenger from Cuddalore Port. I was surprised. Infact, I never knew that trains ran till Cuddalore Port from Vridhachalam. What to do, my rail knowledge is still poor. As the train proceeded towards Villupuram, I was checking the timetables. I found out the train was running a bit early. The lady next to me even asked whether I was a Railway official. Note that I wasn't in my favourite blue shirt/black pant. Somehow, people mistake me for a elderly person. Something like a 28 year old person. I am only 22!

The next stop was Puvanur(I hope I got the name right). I could observe the gangmen waving the green flag even before the train stopped. No one got down or boarded at this station. Another ideal spot for rail fanning??? Then came Meppuliyur and then Ulundurpet and my train took the loop at Ulundurpet. I got down from the coach. I knew 6127 MS-GUV was on its way. I had no mobiles, camera etc. For this entire trip, I was entirely taking notes in my notepad. I looked around. I didn't see any buildings, nor pizza corners or corporate buildings. I was out of urban jungles. Twin WDM-2 hauled 6127 crossed me at good speeds. As usual, I waved at the LP's. I expected Vaigai overtake at Parikkal or Kandambakkam but it didn't happen. My guess was 2636 was running late. My train negotiated a long curve before entering into Villupuram.

I got down at Villupuram. I made up my mind to return by bus. I went outside and inquired with share auto drivers about bus timings to Chennai. They asked me to wait outside the station. They said that regular drivers won't allow share auto drivers to do business inside Railway Station as share autos are cheaper while regular ones are quite expensive. I crossed the road and waited there. The same auto man came. I was surprised to find that it was only Rs.2 from Villupuram Railway station to Bus stand. If it was Chennai it would have cost me at least Rs.10/- for the same distance!

I boarded a bus from Villupuram to Tambaram. The cost was around Rs.45. The bus took aleast 2 and half hours to reach Tambaram. It was a wonderful route! Yes, the bus took the GST Road from Villupuram. Amazing. It was a hot day too. I opened my idly parcel given by my chithi(at TPJ) and started munching it. The bus ride was good. I wish my friend Vimal was with me. Then from Tambaram to Anna University I commuted in 21G. From Anna University to Krishna Sweets, I came in 23M. I reached my house at 1630hrs. My dog Damien was having his precious evening nap.

-Krishna Kumar.S

Kavaraipettai Trip[03/08/2008]

Ashwanth Jr? Introducing Ashwin Kumar to IRFCA-MAS.



03rd August, 2008.
Myself, Ramki, Vimalakar and Ashwin decided to visit Kavaraipettai for an RF. Kuzhandhai Ramki and myself met at Saidapet. We boarded an EMU towards Park. BRC WAG-5#23667 crossed us with a BCNA rake near Kodambakkam. We saw WAP-4#22306 with 2635 MS-MDU Vaigai Superfast Express near Chetpet, I can also observe WAM-4#20581 slowly moving out of MS. It should have brought incoming 2606 TPJ-MS Pallavan Superfast Express. We entered the subway and we were going slow. We were trailing behind many people. Heavily congested line!! Ramki said, "OVERTAKE". We both overtook a few people with CAUTION without dashing on anyone.


We went to MAS suburban section. We bought Kurkure, Lays to add some flavour to the trip. We waited for Vimal who arrived around 13:20hrs. We boarded a Nellore MEMU. We got our seats. It was crowded but still there was some place for people to stand. We got a call from Ashwin saying that he was waiting at BBQ. We started at 13:50hrs. And I could see Tirupati Express starting towards TPTY. It didn't have the push-pull type cab. It had a AJJ WAM-4 in front. I guess it should have had a Sapthagiri WAM-4 at the rear end too.


It's me posing near the line towards MAS.


We got the preference near BBQ. We were crossing the suburban stations soon. Our EMU did decent speed. We expected Pinakini crossing at Tiruvottiyur or Ennore. My first maiden proper spotting of WAG-9 took place near Wimco Nagar. Later a couple of WAG-7 hauled Goods train crossed us. There were a lot of freight action. WAP-4 hauled Pinakini Express overtook my EMU at MPS. Man! I was speechless. DTS effect. The speed was marvellous. All people inside the EMU were speechless for a few moments. Dhadhak! Dhadak! Dhadhal!
We got down at Kavaraipettai station. It was only a few seconds. I could observe a freighter coming towards MAS. We got into action. But sadly, there was a caution order of 20kmph and all trains came slow. AJNI WAG-7#27774 came with a BCNA rake. The ALP gave a curious look at me. Then we assembled together near the station board to take a pic. I took pics of Ashwin in different angles. We all felt that he looked like Ashwanth. Almost 80 percent.




Sensors. Train Protection and Warning System.


We spotted Sapthagiri liveried caboose. We walked over the tracks. I could observe a few sensors placed on tracks. I have taken pics of these and posted it in Orkut and also in the server. We went towards a small shop nearby. Ramki and Vimal had Bingos. Then we had some cool drinks. We stopped a Pani Poori vendor. Ashwin wasn't interested in it, so only we three had it. The rate was 0.50paise for one piece. I had around 8. Then we purchased a water bottle and chilled ourselves. The weather was good. Awesome, railfanning environement. The light was slightly less. So all my camera mobile photos weren't coming out properly. The best of all action was yet to come. We literally camped in between the tracks. There was a lot of space. We stayed safe.
Navjeevan Express came with AJJ WAP-4#22626. We were surrounded by trains soon! WAG-7#27709 came with Sangamitra Express towards Patna. We waved at the LP's. Honks came in different tunes. We knew that the LP's have recognised us as railfans. The ALP waved out to us with a friendly smile. What a refreshing sight! I was very happy. I always like to see goods locos hauling mainline express trains. I like such eccentric combinations. We waited for sometime. We sat on trolleys, wheels kept nearby. The trolley had some wooden pieces missing here and there. I felt as if sitting on a throne. I didn't feel such comforts even while sitting on cuishion seats. We were talking of SBC convention and we were planning other small trips. I could also observe small houses being constructed near the tracks.



Panaromic location. Pic taken in Kavaraipettai.


I use to think that once I start working, I should save money and purchase a plot near the tracks. Some locations like Kandambakkam(VM-TPJ line), Kavaraipettai(GPD line). A stay over here for a couple of days would be refreshing for the souls and also for the minds. Then I took a pic of an EMU coming towards MAS. It didn't have a board, but LED type lights to indicate the destination name. It was written "MAS" in a dotted manner. WAP-4#22669 came with HWH-MAS Coromondal Express. We then purchased the tickets and got ready to board an EMU. As everyone were looking towards GPD side for the EMU, a WAG-5 hauled freighter was approaching fast from MAS side. I yelled out "hey WAG-5, WAG-5". The LP's honked while they crossed us smiling. The train was doing atleast 80kmph. I looked at GPD side. I could observe a wappie coming slowly, due to caution. I yelled out again, "hey wappie da wappie da". WAP-4#22219 was approaching us. The LP's switched on the headlights for a few seconds. Prong! Prong! They knew that we were railfans. Prong! Prong! It was NZM-CAPE Tirukkural Express. Friendly ALP's! As they crossed us, the ALP waved at Ramki.



L-R: Ashwin, Vimal and Kuzhandhai Ramki.



After a few minutes, our EMU came and we boarded it. At Athipattu, some guy fell off from the train just as our EMU started. The entire coach panicked. It seems his legs went inside the gap between the platform and the EMU. He came out later as others helped him out. He was safe! Thank God. I thought otherwise for a few minutes. Ramki witnessed this scene much more cleared than me, maybe he could explain better. We saw Hyderabad Express, Charminar Express, Circar and Jaipur Superfast(notsure). Circar was hauled by a WAG-9. We couldn't spot clearly the numbers. Ashwin got down at BBQ as he was heading towards Korattur. Vimal and Ramki got down at MAS and proceeded towards Park. I boarded 1 Express to Adyar Signal to return home.

-Krishna Kumar Jr.