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

As we move to our next location, an Izzatnagar based WDM3D roars past an LC with BOST rake

The New Delhi bound Jhelum Express surprisingly gets a WAP1 as it enters the rock cutting leading into the Sandalpur tunnel

The 335m long Sandalpur tunnel is actually a 'built-in' tunnel. In 1971 the 20 metre deep cutting near Sandalpur station became extremely unstable during the doubling of this section. This tunnel had to be provided in the unstable length.