The first to arrive is the service from Sheopur - and its commuters quickly melt away in the darkness

Bang on time, the day's last service, the fast passenger from Gwalior turns up, ending the wait for some.

At the crack of dawn, the ticket window at Sabalgarh opens for the morning departures and commuters throng it thick and fast

Blankets, shawls, caps and mufflers are de rigueur travel gear for the weather

The CLW built NDM5 is ready for duty

Sabalgarh may lack tourist attractions, but the samosas at Agarwal Nashta Corner are reason enough to keep going back

Don't tell me you don't hear strains of a mandolin when you see this image

Back at Semai, the wait is about to end

Every inch inside is taken

As is every inch outside

Fans become luggage racks

And fathers manage 10hr rides like this

But the train rumbles on regardless