At the foothills of Fort Songiri
This album contains photo taken between Palsadhari and Jambrung. This section has 21 tunnels on all the three lines put together. Hypothetically, if one were to extend the railway line leaving Palasdhari towards Lonavala, in a straight line (on an incline), it would reach Jambrung. In reality, the line effectively traverses almost a semicircle around foothills of Fort Songiri, to reach Jambrung and gaining more than 200 feet in altitude along the path.
Tracks rising after Palasdhari disappear into morning mist. The summit in the background is part of Songiri fort. The tracks turn towards right to go around foothills of Songiri and reach Jambrung.
CSTM-PUNE Intercity Express on the climb with KYN WCAM3 # 21889 in the lead and dual WCG2 as bankers. The gradient at the start of the ghats is 1 in 50.
Dual WDM2s #18480 and #18378 take the UP line to go back to Karjat. Dual WDM2 are regularly found to haul freight loads between Karjat and Lonavala yards
Dual WCG2 #20134 and #20113 take the MID line to go back to Karjat to take up next banking duties.
The WCG2 duo coast down the slope. The disappearing tracks will turn towards right and reach Karjat.
The Deccan Queen going down the ghats with WCAM3 in command.
Triple bankers moving towards Karjat. Palasdhari Dam can be seen in the background
The Deccan Express starts the climb with one WCG2 in lead and dual WCG2 in the rear.
A close up of the Deccan Express. The single electrified line seen in the background is the Karjat-Khopoli line. The OHE on this line has been upgraded to support 25KV traction.
Pragati Express with a WCAM3 in lead rolls down. I would love to sit in the Guard’s cabin with a window at the back and savor the atmosphere in the Bhore Ghats during monsoon.
An EMU going from Kelavli to Palasdhari station. The Palasdhari-Khopoli section uses token system.
The first tunnel in the Bhore Ghats on the DN line, is only 61M long. The second tunnel starts barely a few meters after the first one ends.
Dual WDM2 from KYN #18852 and #17590 were puffing hard to work a colourful container rake up the ghats. They were assisted by triple WCG2 in the rear. Part of the rake is still in Tunnel #3 on DN line
KJM’s WDP4 #20036 was the power for the Udyan Express. It was put on the MID line, as the DN was occupied by the container rake.
Hard working triple WCG2s banked the Udyan Express. I found it difficult to get down from the place I had climbed to click pictures.