A trip on the breathtaking MG section between Akola and Indore done by Jayasankar Madhavadas, Kunal Doddanavar and Pawan Koppa on the 18th of September, 2010. An MG and nature lover's paradise - this is one of the few last attempts to capture this mind-blowing section set among the Vindhyas as the dark clouds of gauge conversion hover nearby. Please read the Trip report here.
Start of Metre-Gauge action from Akola-Jn. MHOW-YDM4-6315 is the nominated Power to lead AK-RTM 458B Fast Passenger. This train has 3 SL reserved coaches and TTE's do not allow any unreserved passengers into it. (Kunal.S.Doddanavar)
Typical morning atmosphere at the MG section of Akola. Vendors selling hot tea, water and people loitering around. Just another day in the life of the Indian Railways! Akola. 2010-09-18. (Pawan Koppa)
The interiors of the MG sleeper coach we travelled in. MG coaches have their own charm! 2010-09-18. (Pawan Koppa)
MHOW-YDM4-6315 incharge of AK-RTM Fast Passenger gets the 'AUTHORITY' to move ahead. (Kunal.S.Doddanavar)
The caution order is handed over to the ALP of our 457 passenger to Ratlam. Akola. 2010-09-18. (Pawan Koppa)
Mhow's YDM-4 #6315 is ready to depart with the 457 passenger from Akola to Indore and start one of the best MG journeys of our lives! 2010-09-18. (Pawan Koppa)
Accident relief and a MS steam crane are stabled at Akola. 2010-09-18. (Pawan Koppa)
Kunal and Jayasankar are all set for the start of the trip as they sip on cups of fresh tea at Akola waiting for the passenger to depart. 2010-09-18. (Pawan Koppa)
Another look at the MG accident relief steam crane as we depart Akola. 2010-09-18. (Pawan Koppa)
As our journey to Indore starts from Akola ..... (Jayasankar Madhavadas)
The YDM-4 starts breaking free and cutting loose as we encounter a wild curve just outside Akola. 2010-09-18. (Pawan Koppa)
Smoking is allowed on IR Network. (Kunal.S.Doddanavar)
The first halt is Ugwe. A loop cannot get more picturesque than this! 2010-09-18. (Pawan Koppa)
A look at the Ugwe station building. All stations in this route are lost in time and their charm can never be matched by BG station buildings. 2010-09-18. (Pawan Koppa)
The TTE moves to the next coach as a few passengers stretch their legs at Ugwe. 2010-09-18. (Pawan Koppa)