International Railroad Discussion > Riding Indian Railways

On December 29th we rode the Ajmer Shatabdi Express from Delhi (dep 06:10) to Jaipur (arr 10:30). Fast and comfy but without much character. We did get breakfast served en-route.

On New Year's Day we travelled from Jaipur to the desert city of Bikaner. There are four possible trains, but only one which leaves at a civilised time, the Leelan Express, 16:15 off Jaipur and 22:50 into Bikaner. The drawback to riding the Leelan is that it's 2nd class only, but with two of what are called Chair Cars, which are 2nd class reserved seating, in the nine car consist. Still 3+3 but at least there were no goats :-). Unfortunately much of the journey was under the cover of darkness but the combination of a rasping Alco powered WDM3a and opening windows was irresistible.



Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 01/06/16 18:06 by 86235.

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Our third train journey, on January 3rd was on board the Ranakpur Express which connects Bikaner (09:30) with Mumbai (09:30 the following day), but we were riding only as far as Jodhpur (arr 14:15). We were in 2AC which is a dual purpose day/sleeping car. En route we stopped at Merta Road Junction which still sports a fine set of semaphores.

Our arrival at Jodhpur Junction was a few minutes down, the metre gauge stuffed steam loco outside the station is a reminder of the days before gauge conversion.

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Nice story. Where is the ballast?

Its always good to see pix from India. Thanks!

Cheers,
Jack



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 01/06/16 22:03 by africansteam.

Great story Ihope to be heading east of Suez in a month or so.

Looks like you had an interesting journey and the equipment appears to be in reasonable condition.
ALLEN

Thankyou for the interesting photos.It all look very civilised,unlike some of the pics you see of their crowded  commuter trains.

The two greatest gifts the British Empire gave to India.
The Railways and the English Language.

EL-SD45-3632 Wrote:
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> Nice story. Where is the ballast?

On the servicing tracks, where trains are watered, the ties are laid on concrete.

The breakfast looks better than what Amtrak is serving on the C of NO!

Super photos, Nick. Looks a good trip. Did you take your own breakfast?? Chris uk

55002 Wrote:
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> Super photos, Nick. Looks a good trip. Did you
> take your own breakfast?? Chris

Funny you should ask that, yes we did, or rather our homestay host packed a breakfast for us. The picture though is of what Indian Railways provide.

andersonb109 Wrote:
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> The breakfast looks better than what Amtrak is
> serving on the C of NO!

Dude.
You really need to make a resolution to stop riding our trains.  it's only the 10th- not too late to make it your New Year's promise to yourself!
2016 could be a turning point for all of us!
SR
Amtrak OBS (LSA)

For the viewers at home:  On Amtrak we don't serve Corn Flakes.  Frosted Flakes, Rasin Bran, and Special K, yes- but no Corn Flakes.  This much is true.   But, still- his criticism seems harsh to me.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 01/10/16 16:16 by BoilingMan.

Then there would be nothing to complain about. Life would be over.