The Omega Loop

A VPU/NMG rake curves into the loop, led by a WAG5HA from Jhansi shed.

The ALP giving the all clear to the guard as the rake begins rounding the loop.

Passing the 'Kachahari' - a small fortification dating from the 18th century that overlooks the loop

Having rounded the loop, the train has gained nearly 8m in elevation and is climbing still. Between the start and the finish of the loop there is a elevation difference of nearly 12m.

Next up, a mixed freight headed by a WAG7 from Jhansi shed

As the it banks around the second bend, the beautiful lines of the loco shine in the morning light.

A low angle take of the Blue beast. The ALP is leaning out to check the integrity of the formation as it continues around the loop.

We were all waiting for the star of the day, but before that a pilot, a Ghaziabad WAP4 was sent forth to make sure all was OK.

As the WAP4 starts going round the loop, the sharpness of the curve is made apparent by the high cant or banking angle.

The WAP4 posing against the backdrop of the 'Kachahari'

The handsome lines of the top lamp WAP4 are highlighted in the brilliant morning light.

And here's the train we had been waiting for, the Bhopal Shatabdi, bent almost 90° as it negotiates the loop

This wide angle shot shows the full rake as it approaches the apex of the curve

A view of the Shatabdi from the centre of the loop

Another view of India's fastest train on its way to Bhopal

NCR/JHS Division's evocatively named OHE inspection car 'Mrignayani' scurries around the loop

The Doe Eyed Beauty as seen from the mustard fields in the centre of the loop

The long rake of the Karnataka Sampark Kranti arrives at the loop

A bunch of parcel vans bringing up the rear of the Lalaguda WAP4 hauled KSK. This image was shot from the top of the 'Kachahari'.

The difference in elevation between start and end of the loop is evident in this picture as the KSK exits the loop.

Meantime, a JHS WDM2 leads a short passenger rake towards Gwalior, with a WDM2S attached behind it.

With parcel vans in the front and milk tankers at the rear, the Thirukkural Express evokes memories of the mixed trains of the years past.

The Gwalior - Barauni Mail is one of the few diesel hauled long distance trains on this section. On this day, it gets a Jhansi based WDG3A Shakti at the helm.

The loco notches up as it starts ascending the grade through the loop. The ruling gradient here is 1:200

Having rounded the loop, the Barauni Mail emerges from a rock cutting. The loco at the helm has been named 'Heera' and was the 100th loco to be home at Jhansi DLS

The Taj Express to Jhansi running a little late behind a WAP7 from Ghaziabad

The railfanning at the loop is called off as the Taj Express to Jhansi makes an appearance