Mission Jhumri Tilaiya

A few minutes ago, the 1VK had entered the tunnel seen in the pic. It then exited on the other side of the mountain, took a horse shoe curve and came around on the other side of the valley; climbing nearly 300ft in the process. ()

WAG5 #23023 leading the 1VK passenger to Kirandul dives into Tunnel #10, not before taking the blessings of Bramhaji VSP :-) ()

Intense is the word. I receive a pointed glare from a gangman taking a break at Chimidipalle.

The gang lines up at Borraguhalu for the mandatory group photo. From left Rakesh Sahai, Sandeep Sharma, Bharath Moro, VSP & Tamish Singh ()

At Araku an army of reds blocks our path. Note the lovely gradient out of the station leading into the sharp left curve. ()

Trains headed the other way face a similarly imposing sight, accentuated by the catenary jungle and the heat haze. ()

A WAG-6A pair headed by #26000. These are ABB built examples having a unique Bo-Bo-Bo layout. ()

Unusual bogie layout of a WAG-6. The loco's truck has a Bo-Bo-Bo design. (Bharath)

Sandeep trying to do a VSP while Tamish and Shashanka decide to act ignorant (Pic by Rakesh Sahai) ()

Emergency Exit ()

Guess who and what? :-) (Bharath)

Our train heads into a neutral zone past Gorapur. ()

And then into a lovely left curve while approaching Machakund Road. ()

The lovely bridge over the Kolab reservoir just before one enters Koraput. ()

It's busy at Koraput on a dull and rainy morning with three departures set. The WAG-5 triplet hauling an empty rake to Kirandul would leave first, followed by the BNDM WDM-3D #11235 led Samaleswari Express. Rounding up the exits would the WAG-6C pair! (Bh

Rules be damned when its blustery and damp! An LI lights up as the WAG-6C pair undergo pre-departure checks at Koraput. ()

The cab of a WAG6-C. While the A9 & SA9 look like those on other CLW built locos, power seems to be controlled via a single lever like that found in a WAP5/7. Does the WAG6C have notch based power control or some other system. What do the experts make

Tripler on the move. A triple WAG-5 consist along with its standard 58 BOXN load leaves Koraput for Kirandul and the Bailadila mines. (Bharath)

Superman lives in Koraput. (Pic by Rakesh Sahai) ()

Rakesh Sahai capturing a token exchange at close quarters. ()

Waiting for our train! A family waits by the station board at Singaram for their ride towards Koraput. (Bharath)

In pelting rain the WDM3D hauling the Samaleshwari Exp to Howrah approaches on tunnel on the Koraput - Rayagada section. ()

Crossing a viaduct on the picturesque KR line. ()

We cross a BTAP rake owned by NALCO at Bhalumaska. ()

Minutes later, we say the station and the rake in all its glory from across the valley having taken a sharp horse shoe curve. ()

The twin lines from Titlagarh side join us just before Singapur Road. A Plasser track maintenance machine converges runs alongside on the wrong track. ()

LQ Semaphore territory starts henceforth. The arm drops to allow us to continue towards Singapur Road. We would be passing by this place again as the 8006 does the Singapur Road - Rayagada section twice. ()