Shekhawati Sojourn

The fort of Lachhmangarh gives a glimpse in to the rich history of the Shekhawati (Vikas Chander)

A loco failure on the line meant delays. A relief loco was despatched to rescue the stranded train and ferry the dead loco to Sikar. (Vikas Chander)

An morning service to Churu tears past a cutting near Lachhmangarh (Vikas Chander)

A rail level view of the same train (Vikas Chander)

The lovely station building at Sikar Jn (Rajit Kumar)

The spick and span loco shed at Sikar. This has now taken over duties from Phulera for maintaining locos for the line. Around 15 locos currently call home here. (Rajit Kumar)

Another view of the Sikar loco shed. This was a former steam shed, later used as a trip shed for diesels as well. (Rajit Kumar)

Locos are really maintained well, as is evident from the condition of the control stand. This is a 30 year old loco. (Rajit Kumar)

A passenger from Churu side enters Sikar Jn (Shashanka Nanda)

Sikar is also due to become a BG-MG junction. The conversion of the Loharu - Sikar line is complete and commercial traffic is due to open soon. Here a local vendor sells Rudraksh beads underneath the BG starter signal. (Shashanka Nanda)

In the last three decades, towns in the Shekhawati region have grown. As a result, they now cover much of the desert landscape that surrounded them. Compare this rubbish dump entry into Fatehpur Shekhawati with the one depicted in the 1985 film, Ghulami.

The home signal guarding the entry in to Fathepur Shekhawati from the Churu end.

Departure from Fatehpur, towards Churu (Rajit Kumar)

A pair of budding railfans await the arrival of a train at Ramgarh Shekhwati (Shashanka Nanda)

A Sikar bound train departs Ramgarh Shekahwati (Shashanka Nanda)

The 6650 curves around a small hillock on its way to Sikar with the afternoon service from Churu (Rajit Kumar)

Ramgarh lies at the very centre of of Shekhawati. The region is known for the elborately decorately hawelis of its local traders who later on founded some of the most famous business houses in India like the Birlas and the Goenkas. (Vikas Chander)

Crossing at Bissau (Rajit Kumar)

The friendly and enthusiastic audience at Bissau (Rajit Kumar)

The road and rail run parallel for a stretch between Bissau and Churu, giving the opportunity to try to some chase shots. (Shashanka Nanda)

The 1400h service to Jaipur departs Churu. BG once again dominates, what was once a MG bastion (Rajit Kumar)

Conversion preparation of this line has started. Here, an MG flat car rake rests under a gantry used for loading BG concrete sleepers for positioning down the line. (Rajit Kumar)

The beautifully maintained Accident Relief Train at Churu (Rajit Kumar)

The proud operator of beautiful 35t steam crane at Churu (Rajit Kumar)

A little girl on Churu platform is surprised by an unexpected visitor (Shashanka Nanda)

MG may be in its twilight, but still there is fire left in it. The YDM4 heading towards Churu with an evening service belches huge flames form its exhaust stack providing the perfect finale . (Vikas Chander)

Going out, in a blaze of glory! (Shashanka Nanda)