Three on Satpura Narrow Gauge Spree
Set of images captured during the journey on Jabalpur-Nainpur-Balaghat Narrow gauge section of erstwhile Satpura lines and currently the narrow gauge hub of Indian Railways. Set also includes some images captured during outward & inward journeys. Three participants in the trip were Gaurav Bhandari, Rahul Sharma & Sanket Gosavi. Core journey was done on 12th September 20011 when monsoon adorned the beauty of Satpura hills which looked like a green Saree clad bride.
Apart from exploring the Jabalpur-Balaghat narrow gauge route, travel in the First class of legendary Satpura express, visiting Asia's busiest Narrow gauge station - Nainpur & the alluring Ghat section were the things that captivated the railfans who did not mind traveling 2000 kms to cover the mesmerising narrow gauge treasure of 187 kms.
On a cool September day in overcast conditions, double headed 12141 Mumbai Rajendranagar express makes its way out of Jabalpur amid lush surroundings. (Gaurav Bhandari) (Sanket Gosavi)
We got a glimpse of Narrow Gauge treasure much before the journey. As our train 12141 Rajendranagar express crawling before entering into Jabalpur, out of nowhere appeared 58865 Balaghat Jabalpur passenger. Soon, the Narrow gauge train overtook 12141 and
Interiors of Satpura express Narrow Gauge First Class coach. First class coach is partitioned in 2 parts & the larger section accommodates 12 passengers while smaller cabin is for 4 passengers. Reason for such arrangement is, this coach was earlier us
Daybreak in Satpura Narrow Gauge lines. Satpura express gathered momentum post Howbagh. Son the Sun rose the horizon and the train was glistened in its golden rays. (Gaurav Bhandari) (Sanket Gosavi)
The old and the new : Satpura express passes over the old steel arch bridge on Narmada river. Seen on the right side is the newly constructed concrete bridge for Broad Gauge alignment. (Gaurav Bhandari) (Sanket Gosavi)
Beauty of single line semaphore territory. A Close up view of signal box at Shikara. (Sanket Gosavi)
ZDM 4A headed Satpura express during halt at Shikara. (Sanket Gosavi) (Sanket Gosavi)
The ghat section began after Kaldehi halt was skipped. Gradient in the ghat varies from 1 in 150 to the steepest 1 in 80. Seen here is 1 in 150 gradient at the beginning of ghat.(Sanket Gosavi) (Sanket Gosavi)
Satpura express marches ahead in the ghat. Ride in monsoon blessed ghat was a memorable one. Meandering little rake of Satpura express amidst verdant vegetation & intermittently crossing over small viaducts provided a marvelous treat to the eyes. (Rah
View of rear side of the rake as the train ascends the ghat. (Sanket Gosavi) (Sanket Gosavi)
Satpura express at Ghunsore. The First class coach in saffron-yellow-sky blue livery steals the show against the uniform colored coaches. Native women brings here fresh cucumber & corn cobs for sale. (Sanket Gosavi) (Sanket Gosavi)
Timetable at Ghunsore. Train numbers are recently changed to 5 digits. 58876 passenger has longish 45 minutes halt here for crossing. (Sanket Gosavi) (Sanket Gosavi)
G.K.Engineering, Howrah's Neal's Ball Token Instrument at Ghunsore. (Sanket Gosavi) ()
At Pindrai we had crossing with 58565 Balaghat Jablpur passenger. This is the Narrow gauge 2S-Sleeper composite coach. It accommodates 38 2S seats & 10 berths. (Sanket Gosavi) ()
This is the Narrow Gauge General coach. Seen at far middle is the lavatory. All the coaches in this section are equipped with fluorescent lights. (Sanket Gosavi) ()