One normally doesn’t encounter a dawn in Kuruduwadi when travelling to Bangalore on the Karnataka Express, but extraordinary circumstances can make all sorts of things happen.

At the edge of the Pench reserve, sunsets are spectacular. Especially when viewed from a curving narrow gauge train. Approaching Kukrakhapa on the Nagpur - Chhindwara section.

Simply put — one of the world’s best railway stations. Chennai Central.

These are the things that one will miss when the broad gauge arrives — giant trees, a low platform, a relaxed station and sense of proportion when one frames a scene for future stories. Jhilimili.

The long, overnight trip to Nagpur to retrieve his pension for the month is a successful one for Mr. Deo of Saoner.

He got into the coach in tears. I asked what the matter was. “I just found out my son as died”, he said. Quite possibly the hardest scene I’ve photographed in my life. Sanganer.

Metre gauge made illusions possible and “experienceable”. Here, the Cholan Express skims past Nellikuppam.

Station buildings have fascinated me for long, especially the insides. They said (and say) a lot about what we care for . I don’t know if these beautiful, solid granite pillars that held up Kakinada Port station still exist. A shame if they don’t.

Sometimes all you want on cold North Indian winter mornings are chai and pakoda. Fortunately, Jodhpur obliged that day.

More things that make narrow gauge such an intimate way to travel. How many broad gauge stations have full fledged vegetable markets on their platforms? Umranala.

“Should we board this coach or next?” “Where do you want me to sit?” “We need at least one window, ok?”

Only narrow gauge and Nainpur can conspire to have its busiest time bang in the middle of the day. If you notice closely, all platforms are occupied by departing trains. On the extreme left to Mandla Fort, next to it the Jabalpur Passenger, on the main pl

Even more delights at Nainpur — a Hindi library and a ZE inside the compound.

The forests surrounding this place are truly stunning — lush, dense and unforgiving. I’ve always wondered how staff manning such places manage extremes of weather.

If you haven’t part-taken the delight that is a crunchy vadai at Jolarpettai, you’ve missed out one of the best culinary experiences on IR. They are made fresh, just in time for the arrival of the Lalbagh Express to Chennai.