Satpura Farewell

The ZDM3A bursting in to action

We continue the second leg of our journey in a battered 2S coach of the CWA-NIR passenger. That doesn't deter our spirits though! (Vivek Manvi)

The CWA-NIR passenger takes a breather at the serene Jhilmili station . It turned out to be a longish halt here, allowing us to soak in the atmosphere. (Vivek Manvi)

At Jhilmili, passengers are expressly prohibited from cycling on to the platform!

The overnight Jabalpur - Nagpur service approaches Jhilmili (Rajit Kumar)

Crossing at Jhilmili

Iqbal Mansuri's tea and snacks stall at Jhilmili does roaring business at breakfast time

CWA-NIR passenger meets JBP-NGP passenger at Jhilmili. Note the difference in construction between an older coach on the right and a relatively newer one on the left. (Vivek Manvi)

2' 6" of symmetry

The line between Chhindwara and Seoni curves sinuously aroudn the features atop the plateau. The BG will run straight through, with the grace of a charging rhino. (Rajit Kumar)

Chasing the train, we arrive at Palari where there is a crossing and the reverse train towards Seoni joins the mainline as the semaphore stands guard. (Trayambak Ojha)

All clear - the loco notches up to prepare for the steep gradient ahead (Rajit Kumar)

A packed service from Nainpur approaches Seoni... (Rajit Kumar)

... and is given the all clear flag by the Loco Pilot of our train (Rajit Kumar)

After leaving Seoni the NG train towards Nainpur takes a sharp curve ready to enter Bithli Ghat as the semaphore stands tall. (Trayambak Ojha)

Gathering all its steam the train is ready to climb the Seoni Ghats through the vast expanse. (Trayambak Ojha)

NG Passenger at Bithli Ghat approaching from Seoni

NG Passenger hauling towards Bithli Ghat, Seoni (Parth Jha)

NG Passenger crossing a viaduct at Bithli ghat, Seoni

NG Passenger at Bithli Ghat approaching from Seoni

These S Curves help the NG train to climb up as the NG loco is working hard to enter the Seoni Ghat (Trayambak Ojha)

NG Passenger at Bithli Ghat approaching from Seoni

NG Passenger in Bithli Ghat, Seoni (Parth Jha)

This semaphore's vigil over the lines at Bhoma is soon coming to an end. The NG will give way to BG and the semaphore to a more modern color lamp signal.

At Keolari, there is this huge viaduct over the river Wainganga and the NG train towards Nainpur gingerly crosses it while the sun and cloud play hide and seek. (Trayambak Ojha)