A trip to an unexplored paradise on the Bangalore-Mysore mainline between Channapatna and Maddur. The location being a halt station, does not have a proper station building nor a loop and sees only a couple of passengers stop daily. A perfect blend of nature and the brute force of high speed railway action, we present to you - Nidaghatta! Here is the Trip Report. By Pawan Koppa and Shishir Jairam.
A paradise straight out of nowhere! The halt station board right next to the LC gate and gateman's room. The ground level platform can also be seen. 2011-05-28. (Pawan Koppa)
Nidaghatta.H the old asbestos shed just reminds about the rural and rustic settings it has. (Shishir Jairam)
The massive gradient towards Maddur.One can imagine the roller coaster the train takes here. (Shishir Jairam)
The other side of the roller coaster ride this is towards SBC,the station is like the base of a Roller Coaster ride!! (Shishir Jairam)
Typical village atmosphere around the single LC gate at Nidaghatta. 2011-05-28. (Pawan Koppa)
A pair of light WDG-3As from KJM make light of the gradients and blast past heading towards Channapatna. 2011-05-28. (Pawan Koppa)
Local ladies from Nidaghatta village are all eyes for the passenger as it flies past. (Pawan Koppa)
Second in the series KJM WDM3A now charges towards Nidaghatta.H (Shishir Jairam)
The Chamundi Express bound to Bangalore descends and starts climbing yet another gradient enroute to Bangalore led by KJM WDM-3A #18704. 2011-05-28. (Pawan Koppa)
A view of the ground level platform as the Chamundi Express blasts past. A perfect way to spend a relaxed Sunday sitting on the bench. Nidaghatta H. (Pawan Koppa)
The jungle looks like it is about to swallow the Chamundi Express. (Pawan Koppa)
The outer signal of Maddur is located just before the Shimsha river bridge. Greenery all around adds colour to the location. 2011-05-28. (Pawan Koppa)
A short mixed consist comprising a BCNA-HL, BOXN and regular BCNA suddenly appears over the horizon near Maddur.The consist was led by KJM WDM-2 #17526. (Pawan Koppa)
The Mayiladuturai-Mysore Express led by the second oldest WDM-3D from Erode #11102, makes light of the steep gradient. 2011-05-28. (Pawan Koppa)
The Tirupati-Chamarajanagar Fast passenger climbs one of the numerous gradients on the Bangalore-Mysore sections as it nears Nidaghatta. (Pawan Koppa)