Jaunt on the Satpuras

The empty rake of Nagpur - Jabalpur Passenger makes a grand entry behind ZDM-4A #211. This will run as 1 NNJ, departing NGP at 12.45 hours.

Peep into the interiors of NG SL/2S ”composite” coach of 1NNJ Nagpur – Jabalpur Passenger. Some of the coaches of the consist were made as recent as 2005.

Loco reversal completed and we are set to pull out of Nagpur on a three days of enthralling trip on NG lines of Central India. (Harish Kumar)

After having left at 12.45 hrs, 1NNJ takes a sharp right hand curve towards Itwari. The line running over us is the Main line towards Itarsi.

First of our scheduled halt - Motibagh - happens at a more picturesque location. (Naveen)

Itwari – Tirodi Passenger with Raipur WDM-2 #16634 gets ready for departure. Itwari. (Harish Kumar)

The ride out of Itwari is marked by couple of road over bridges and the eastwardly BG lines. (Benhur)

Two wired BG lines faithfully accompany the NG line right up to Khaprikheda (KPKD). Seen here is the line on the right hand side while going towards Chhindwara (CWA). (Harish Kumar)

An interesting Sign inside the NG coaches – “Keep doors and windows open during severe storms to prevent capsizing of coaches and injuries to Public”. (Benhur)

Another interesting read - this one is outside the train on the station premises of Khaprikheda. This sign board reads “Cycling on platform is strictly prohibited”. (Benhur)

The trip’s first crossing at Khaprikheda. It was with our opposite number, 2NNJ - which turned up behind ZDM-3A # 176. (Naveen)

Another shot of 2NNJ entering the Khaprikheda station. We had to wait for over 20 minutes for this crossing. (Benhur)

It’s time to move on. The khalasi rushes forward to handover the token and caution order. (Harish Kumar)

Just after Patansaongi, the BG made a diamond crossing, accompanied on the left for the next couple of kilometers before veering off to the left and disappeared. (Naveen)

1 NNJ at Ramakona: We crossed river Kanhan over a long, beautiful bridge to arrive Ramakona at 16:40. Another extended halt here courtesy of parcel unloading from SLRs. (Harish Kumar)

Bhimalgondi is a beautiful station. Here we crossed the 4NRC, which was waiting for us in the loop line (not in pic). (Harish Kumar)

After Bhimalgondi, our train prepares for steady climb through the ghat section of the Sillevani mountain range. (Benhur)

As the natural lights fading out, we rode into Umra Nala. At this station, we had crossing with the Nagpur bound 6NRC (not in pic, and was on the loop line). These puny ZDMs do have powerful headlights and it was glowing to glory. (Harish Kumar)

Day 2: The trip started with BG action at Chhindwara, with ET WDM-3D #11278 showing up hauling the Indore – Chhindwara Pench Valley Passenger. (Harish Kumar)

The eastern sky is a painted blue, serenely and flowingly cracks up to a sparkle of light. We are set to take on the second train of the Journey between Chhindwara and Nainpur. The NG rake on the left is the Nainpur bound passenger, while the right one is

On the NG side: There was buzz, as huge crowd from the BG train filled up the morning NG train to Nainpur (NIR). Although the markers were on, interestingly the loco ZDM-3A #170 in charge of our train (1CN) was cranked up just ten minutes before the start

Crack of dawn at Jhilimili: The long halt for the day's first crossing was a welcome break for many, as the refreshment stall serves hot tea, and stuffs to munch for those who opt for an early breakfast. (Naveen)

It was out of the world feeling when we witnessed the dews dropped and then the first ray of sun light fell on the ground… the rake of 1CN baths in the early morning sun light! (Harish Kumar)

The long wait ends, with a train appearing in the eastern horizon. It turned out to be 2NNJ hauled by ZDM-3B 180.(Harish Kumar)

NG's Shindawane: The landscape at many places between CWA and NIR is reminiscent Shindawane ghats. Our train gently negotiates the hilly terrain and making its way through the edges of the hills. (Naveen)

Happy and friendly waves along the rail are something most of us love to see… and here is one such lovely moment! (Naveen)

Second Crossing at Seoni with 2CN: A true opposite number for 1CN, 2CN starts at identical time that of 1CN from Nainpur towards Chhindwara. Here 2CN was spotted hauled by ZDM-3A 193. (Benhur)