4 railfans (Benhur, Naveen, Harish and Raghu) set out on a 3 day ride on the Narrow Gauge line between Jabalpur and Nagpur covering all the 4 lines in the route. Our humble attempt to share the sights and delights we experience during the recent trip to Central India and to those line where the trains never rip the tracks… but a gentle gallop through one of the finest landscape in the country… the lines that were built in total harmony with the nature... yes, it is those lovely NG lines between Nagpur and Jabalpur, which have celebrated their centennial not long ago.
Bhimalgondi is a beautiful station. Here we crossed the 4NRC, which was waiting for us in the loop line (not in pic). (Harish Kumar)
After Bhimalgondi, our train prepares for steady climb through the ghat section of the Sillevani mountain range. (Benhur)
As the natural lights fading out, we rode into Umra Nala. At this station, we had crossing with the Nagpur bound 6NRC (not in pic, and was on the loop line). These puny ZDMs do have powerful headlights and it was glowing to glory. (Harish Kumar)
Day 2: The trip started with BG action at Chhindwara, with ET WDM-3D #11278 showing up hauling the Indore – Chhindwara Pench Valley Passenger. (Harish Kumar)
The eastern sky is a painted blue, serenely and flowingly cracks up to a sparkle of light. We are set to take on the second train of the Journey between Chhindwara and Nainpur. The NG rake on the left is the Nainpur bound passenger, while the right one is
On the NG side: There was buzz, as huge crowd from the BG train filled up the morning NG train to Nainpur (NIR). Although the markers were on, interestingly the loco ZDM-3A #170 in charge of our train (1CN) was cranked up just ten minutes before the start
Crack of dawn at Jhilimili: The long halt for the day's first crossing was a welcome break for many, as the refreshment stall serves hot tea, and stuffs to munch for those who opt for an early breakfast. (Naveen)
It was out of the world feeling when we witnessed the dews dropped and then the first ray of sun light fell on the ground… the rake of 1CN baths in the early morning sun light! (Harish Kumar)
The long wait ends, with a train appearing in the eastern horizon. It turned out to be 2NNJ hauled by ZDM-3B 180.(Harish Kumar)
NG's Shindawane: The landscape at many places between CWA and NIR is reminiscent Shindawane ghats. Our train gently negotiates the hilly terrain and making its way through the edges of the hills. (Naveen)
Happy and friendly waves along the rail are something most of us love to see… and here is one such lovely moment! (Naveen)
Second Crossing at Seoni with 2CN: A true opposite number for 1CN, 2CN starts at identical time that of 1CN from Nainpur towards Chhindwara. Here 2CN was spotted hauled by ZDM-3A 193. (Benhur)
...and you thought NG coaches are puny? Ain’t you? (Benhur)
Ben shares his pictures with the curious kids at Seoni. (Naveen)
Talking about horse-shoe curve… this must be close to one. Somewhere between Bhoma and Kaniwara. The section has many such “should-not-be-missed” moments, including ride over breathtaking viaducts. (Benhur)