In and around Nagothane by Abhijit Lokre
These are images from the Roha-Nagothane line including the Bhise tunnel. The line from Nagothane to Roha is the last stretch of CR before the Konkan railway starts from Roha. The scenery here too is spectacular, though with none of the viaducts and long tunnels that make KR special. There is a small tunnel called the 'Bhise' tunnel which burrows through the range which seperates Nagothane from Roha. MPS doesn't seem to be very high and trains run at reduced speeds throughout. The line from Pen to Roha as commissioned in 1986 as per a plaque at Roha station
The Nagothane-Roha line seen from top of the mountain that divides the two towns. This is the Roha side and the line is disappearing into the Bhise tunnel which opens out near Nagothane. Abhijit
An unknown express makes its way towards the tunnel. Abhijit
The WDM3A at the beginning of the curve leading to the tunnel. The road in the background is the Nagothane Roha state highway. Abhijit
A bird's eye view of the terrain around Nagothane. Abhijit
Can anyone make out the shed? Headlights are on as the train is about to enter the tunnel. Abhijit
Snake rake. The tunnel seems to have swallowed the snake..
Abhijit
On the road to Roha, I was hoping to catch the Mangala express. When it happened, I got only a split chance to get a pic, before the train disappeared towards Nagothane. Abhijit
A Shakti from Kalyan waits with a rake at Roha station. Abhijit
The Diva-Roha passener is an hour late and creeps slowly into Roha station. Kalyan's WDM2 16049 is in charge. Abhijit
A view of Roha station from the Nagothane side. The Shakti waits patiently with its long load while the Diva-Roha passenger waits on platform 1. Abhijit
The rail link between the two towns - the Bhise tunnel seen from the Nagothane side. The road follows a more winding route as it huge the side of the mountains as it climbs from Nagothane before descending into the plains near Roha. Abhijit
Inside the tunnel.
View through the tunnel. It is a pretty neat tunnel with a vaulted roof. The length must not be more than 750m. Abhijit
The Netravati express to LTT bursts out of the tunnel, horns blaring behind an Erode diesel. Abhijit