Shekhawati Sojourn

Jaipur Jn : Once a teeming Meter Gauge hub. Now BG has usurped most of the real estate, leaving only two platforms for MG trains bound for Sikar and Churu. (Vikas Chander)

MG trains however, are very well patronized. Especially those arriving at Jaipur in the morning from Sikar. (Vikas Chander)

Three generations of IR diesels at Jaipur (Vikas Chander)

Dawn at Ringus Jn. This semaphore gantry guards the entry of the MG line from the Jaipur side. (Shashanka Nanda)

The 0552h from Jaipur climbs a slight grade for the final run in to Ringus. The distant sempahore has been dropped to permit entry. (Shashanka Nanda)

Once a 4 line MG junction, Ringus now is one of the rare places where BG and MG co-exist. This crossover facilitates movement of BG trains across MG lines. The BG runs to Phulera and Rewari on either side. (Rajit Kumar)

The BG - MG diamond crossing from a different perspective

The morning departure for Jaipur from Ringus. With the Phulera shed getting cut off from MG, locos for the section are now based at Sikar where a small shed has come up. However, locos still carry the Phulera logo with Sikar markings. (Vikas Chander)

An aerial view of Ringus Jn

The BG conversion of the Rewari - Phulera line has meant that the MG trains from Jaipur take a rather convoluted path into Ringus, (Shashanka Nanda)

There is BG movement as well, in the form of the Ajmer - Nizamuddin Special running with the rake of the Jan Shatabdi operating on the same route on off days. The loco is a WDG-3A from Andal! (Shashanka Nanda)

The arrival of a train is greeted by colourful crowds - the low MG steps allow for easy ingress even from rail level. (Rajit Kumar)

A sharp curve marks the entry in to Ringus from the Sikar side. A slight grade makes throttle application necessary, bring glee to the railfans' (Shashanka Nanda)

A group of school girls makes a hasty dash across the tracks as a train from Sikar enters Ringus (Shashanka Nanda)

The army of cameras deployed at Ringus attracts quite a crowd, including the RPF. However, the permit letter from NWR/HQ works like a charm. (Shashanka Nanda)

Ramji Lal Sharma's Kachori and Snacks cart at Ringas Jn (Shashanka Nanda)

Both MG and BG trains are granted permission to leave at the same time. But the superior power of the WDG3A makes the winner fairly clear. (Shashanka Nanda)

The token machines that control the MG lines from Ringas towards Gobindgarh Malikpur and Baori Thikriya (Rajit Kumar)

The pretty as a picture Baori Thikriya station (Rajit Kumar)

The friendly staff of Baori Thikriya station (Rajit Kumar)

Baori Thikriya is one of the few crossing stations on the line, where the occasional train does not stop. That means we railfans can attempt to get the perfect Token Exchange photo (Shashanka Nanda)

Pigeons raid the fire extinguisher supply to quench their thirst (Shashanka Nanda)

The fare table at Baori Thikriya. The cheap fares are the reason why MG trains see heavy patronage despite faster, but more expensive bus connections. (Shashanka Nanda)

A Jaipur bound train crosses over a season channel near Ranoli Shishu. (Shashanka Nanda)

There are no rivers in these parts. Just some channels that spring to life for a few weeks following monsoon rains. (Rajit Kumar)

Passengers enjoy the view from the door plate (Rajit Kumar)

This aerial shot gives a view of the thorny, semi-arid landscape around Rasheedpura. (Vikas Chander)