IRFCA Mailing List Archive


Messages 2721 - 2740

From: Don Dickens <ddickens@e-z.email

Subject: The monorail that leaned instead of balanced

Date: 29 May 1998 07:46:00 -0500


The Patial State Monorail Tramway site
(<A HREF="http://www.e-z.net/~ddickens/monorail)">http://www.e-z.net/~ddickens/monorail)</A>
has been updated with the inclusion of the only other known use of the
"Ewing system".
There is also a link to a another picture and a QuickTime video clip.

From: Donald L. Mills, Jr <dmills@MARSHALL.email

Subject: Re: conspiracy theory

Date: 29 May 1998 17:24:00 -0500


----------
> From: Donald L. Mills, Jr <dmills@MARSHALL.email
> To: Steven Brown <able@ricochet.email irfca@cs.email
> Subject: Re: conspiracy theory
> Date: Friday, May 29, 1998 11:20 AM
>
> One of the reasons many Raillines held onto steam in the US after WWII
was
> to endear themselves to the coal industry. Especially in WV. The
> Chesapeake and Ohio RR openly flaunted their steam engines because they
> also controlled many of the mines. The Norfolk & Western RR was the last
> class I RR in the US to give up Steam as it had a large ownership in the
> Pocohantas Coal fields of Southern WV. This also costs us dearly when it
> came to building highways. By the way Steam was kept for Freight. Most
> major passenger rail ceased in the early 50's and 60"s.
>
> ----------
> > From: Steven Brown <able@ricochet.email
> > To: irfca@cs.email
> > Subject: Re: conspiracy theory
> > Date: Thursday, May 28, 1998 11:47 PM
> >
> > Readers interested in the demise of public transportation in the US
will
> > find the following links interesting:
> <A HREF="http://www.pbs.org/pov/press/910.html">http://www.pbs.org/pov/press/910.html</A>
> > <A HREF="http://www.hooked.net/users/verdant/natlcity.htm">http://www.hooked.net/users/verdant/natlcity.htm</A>
> > <A HREF="http://www.cakemagazine.com/archive/54/cars.htm">http://www.cakemagazine.com/archive/54/cars.htm</A>
> > <A HREF="http://www.erha.org/plot.htm">http://www.erha.org/plot.htm</A>
> > <A HREF="http://www.tlio.demon.co.uk/nclchoms.htm">http://www.tlio.demon.co.uk/nclchoms.htm</A>
> >
> > The conspiracy to destroy public transit is well documented, however
all
> it
> > did was get the ball rolling, later other factors such as the growth of
> > suburbs and the decline of the inner city further damaged public
transit.
> > Streetcars only survived in 2 cities in the US (Boston and San
Francisco)
> > but are now making a comeback in several other US cities. In India
only
> the
> > Calcutta system is in service.
> >
> > Conspiracy buffs will also like to consider the intercity passenger
> train,
> > some railroads, most notably Southern Pacific went out of their way to
> > discourage passenger travel by train( specifics: allowing bus stations
on
> > railroad land and negative advertisements in travel magazines), while
> others
> > were actively upgrading the train service. But nothing was ever proved
in
> a
> > court of law.
> >
> > There was even an effort to bring steam into the conspiracy picture:
why
> > did some railroads dieselize quickly after WW2 yet others retained
steam
> > for 15 more years? Could it be pressure to get lucrative automoble
> traffic?
> > or maybe there is not that much economic advantage to diesel?! Maybe
> both
> > are true! If diesel is so great why all the tests of steam turbine
> > locomotives etc?.
> >
> > In the case of Indian Railways who is gaining when IR loses market
share?
> I
> > was told that intercity bus fares are now lower than IR, is that true?
> >
> > Got to go, time for X-Files on TV.
> >
> > Have Fun , Steve
> >
> >
> >

From: Donald L. Mills, Jr <dmills@MARSHALL.email

Subject: Re: News item: Indian rail network facing crisis amid huge losses

Date: 29 May 1998 18:09:00 -0500


Thanks for your comments, but make sure you don't throw the baby out with
the bathwater. Try everything possible before you give up on Rails.

To go blindly into highways and automobiles could lead to a pandoras box.
Taxes, displacement of populations, parking, agriculture land, tolls,
local Vs federal aspirations, population density, smog and other pollution
considerations. City Vs Rural. Those who can afford cars Vs those who
cannot. Service stations Vs Rail stations. Wealthy areas Vs the less
wealthy areas. Rail vendors Vs Road Stops just to name a few. Military
needs- highway VS rail. Congestion especially during rush hours.

While this is true capitalism it can also be true pandemonium. What will
happen in India, if the import price on fuel goes up? To abolish rail
passenger service would leave many of your cities hostage to higher priced
goods and extremely limited transportation. Irreguardless of what is
proposed, I hope everyone sees the tremendous cost that will be placed upon
each citizen. As I said before, better the devil you see than the one you
don't.

----------
> From: Shanku Niyogi <shankun@microsoft.email
> To: Indian Railways List <irfca@cs.email
> Subject: RE: News item: Indian rail network facing crisis amid huge
losses
> Date: Friday, May 29, 1998 1:32 PM
>
> Satish wrote:
>
> "No doubt about that, but keep in mind that one of the drivers of this
> phenomenon in the US has been the desire of people -- as they become
> wealthier -- to move to suburbs away from the city core. "
>
> That is true, but this trend was also heavily encouraged by the planners
of
> the day, and most of them agree that this strategy today has encouraged a
> complete collapse of city cores in most American cities. By contrast,
> Toronto has had, until recently, a fairly stable inner city, mainly due
to
> years of freezing property taxes.
>
> "It is impractical to have a train grid that connects all N points to the
> remaining N-1 points
> for all suburban areas around any reasonable sized city. The usual
radial
> and concentric arrangements, or others, tend to be way too inconvenient
if
> you want to get from one place to another."
>
> Again, this is valid, but certainly other arrangements can be made. After
> all, it is far more impractical to allow all these suburban commuters to
> drive into the city as they are able to afford cars. As a former native
of
> Calcutta, I can say that city would not be much better off with even,
say,
> 50 more cars on its streets. It could, however, gain vastly from an
expanded
> subway system and better co-ordinated suburban transit (both rail and
bus).
>
> One only needs to compare Europe and North America (or even, as I said, a
> Eurocentric city like Montreal and the rest of North America) to see two
> ways this can be handled. One can create a well co-ordinated rail and
> transit system, providing parking facilities and other amenities like
> shopping at station on rail lines, and encourage people to drive to their
> nearby station instead of into a congested city core or hub. Or one can
> throw up huge parking garages, build ever-expanding roads, and live with
> traffic congestion.
>
> A city like Seattle provides a good example. Seattle is a city with a lot
of
> suburban growth, and very decentralized business development - people
work
> not only in downtown, but in many centers of growth around the area as
well.
> They are working towards an enviable transit system to handle this
pattern,
> with novel ideas, such as co-operative vanpools, where the riders during
the
> week get to keep the van for the weekend. With wider adoption of these
> ideas, transit is becoming quite practical for many people. But what
remains
> the big problem in getting from A to B is the bulk of the trip - travel
from
> one growth area to another. For this, even a small network of rail
> transportation would be greatly helpful. In fact, the city has considered
> such systems, but the idea of commuter rail has become such a distant
memory
> that it is not yet viewed as essential.
>
> "Gasoline is highly taxed in the USA already (of a dollar-odd of the
price
> at the pump, something like 40 to 50 cents are taxes); much more so in
> Europe and certainly quite highly in India. How much more do you want to
> tax gasoline in India?"
>
> <Curiously, there's been some debate over this recently (for our
> non-American readers) - due to environmental concerns, there was some
talk
> of improving gasoline to reduce emissions and make other environmental
> improvements, and the car and gasoline industry made some pretty
outrageous
> predictions about gasoline price increases if those measures were taken.
The
> show "60 Minutes" had a report on this where they asked these predictors
to
> show the basis for their figures.>
>
> I am not necessarily suggesting increasing taxes on gasoline in India.
The
> idea of making the owning of an automobile more difficult, expensive, or
> restrictive may be detrimental to an Indian consumer who can afford to
buy a
> car, but I would debate whether its any more detrimental to the general
> population than the idea that one should buy a car if they can afford
one,
> and then drive it around everywhere to get their value out of it.
>
> "Much though I love railways, I would say they have to stand on their
> own; if they can't, they go. Steam goes for the same reason, steamers
have
> great romantic appeal to railfans, but the economics of the situation
don't
> justify keeping them instead of diesels or electrics, right?"
>
> I don't think the two analogies are necessarily equivalent - there are
far
> more factors to commuter transport than economics and romantic appeal.
> Commuter transport poses many issues, some quite ambiguous - for example,
I
> own a car and I need it to get around, but whenever I find myself
surrounded
> in a traffic jam by five or six sport utilities, I can't help feeling
that
> such vehicles have not served consumers like me very well at all!
>
> I would be curious to hear from our European readers on this topic - many
> countries there have kept their rail systems flourishing, and it would be
> interesting to hear of differences, both in practice and in philosophy,
that
> have led to this trend.
>
> Regards,
> Shanku

From: sank <sank@telco.email

Subject: Re: News item: Indian rail network facing crisis amid huge losses

Date: 30 May 1998 18:24:00 -0500


GOODWIN ALCO wrote:
>
> Hi guys,
> Rail in Australia has fared little better. For many years
> services have been cut or just discontinued. It has been a choice which
> only now is starting to be regretted.
> There is no solution to transport problems within the road system.
> Dont let this happen in India.
> Best Wishes
> Brad Peadon

I am not sure what the desired pattern in India should be exactly, but
it is evident that planning a road-based solution for our immense
population is asking for trouble. India is woefully short of good roads
along which vehicles could move efficiently and safely, as the carnage
on
our highways amply illustrates. On the other hand, the railway network
has been in place for years. What we need is a focused attempt to
make rail transport a viable alternative to cars. For instance, it would
help if domestic and international airports in India were on the
rail network, as in Europe.

I agree that an automobile reflects the aspirations of people with
increasing standards of living, but do we need to make the same
mistakes that have already been made in some other countries ?

Continuing to follow the discussion with interest:

--
Jayant S : ID Studio
Tata Technologies India Limited
Telco Premises : Pimpri TEL: 91 (212) 774261 ex 2534
PUNE : 411 018 : INDIA FAX: 91 (212) 773191

From: Donald L. Mills, Jr <dmills@MARSHALL.email

Subject: Re: News item: Indian rail network facing crisis amid huge losses

Date: 30 May 1998 00:25:00 -0500


Kudos of agreement to sank. Don in WV

----------
> From: sank@telco.email
> To: IR List <irfca@cs.email
> Subject: Re: News item: Indian rail network facing crisis amid huge
losses
> Date: Friday, May 29, 1998 11:24 PM
>
> GOODWIN ALCO wrote:
> >
> > Hi guys,
> > Rail in Australia has fared little better. For many years
> > services have been cut or just discontinued. It has been a choice which
> > only now is starting to be regretted.
> > There is no solution to transport problems within the road system.
> > Dont let this happen in India.
> > Best Wishes
> > Brad Peadon
>
> I am not sure what the desired pattern in India should be exactly, but
> it is evident that planning a road-based solution for our immense
> population is asking for trouble. India is woefully short of good roads
> along which vehicles could move efficiently and safely, as the carnage
> on
> our highways amply illustrates. On the other hand, the railway network
> has been in place for years. What we need is a focused attempt to
> make rail transport a viable alternative to cars. For instance, it would
> help if domestic and international airports in India were on the
> rail network, as in Europe.
>
> I agree that an automobile reflects the aspirations of people with
> increasing standards of living, but do we need to make the same
> mistakes that have already been made in some other countries ?
>
> Continuing to follow the discussion with interest:
>
> --
> Jayant S : ID Studio
> Tata Technologies India Limited
> Telco Premises : Pimpri TEL: 91 (212) 774261 ex 2534
> PUNE : 411 018 : INDIA FAX: 91 (212) 773191

From: Apurva Bahadur <iti@giaspn01.email

Subject: Success of DEMU

Date: 30 May 1998 20:15:00 -0500


Hi Gang !

Amongst all the talk of road taking over rails there is a small success
story here.

The DEMU (Diesel Electric Multiple Unit) train, in which our firm is a
vendor of the engine safety and managemant panel, has made quite a dent
in the road transport between Jallandhar and Amritsar.

The bus fare is about Rs 25 while the DEMU fare is Rs 10.50. The DEMU
takes One and Half hours between Jallandhar and Amrtisar including two
or three stops (where Mail/ Express trains take One hour and fifteen
minutes non stop). The bus takes over two hours. Thus a whole load of
travelling public has shifted from road to rail transport in Punjab.

The above statements are not official, nor habe they been seen or
verified by me. Even if they are inflated claims, there is some truth
there.
Till last year some DEMUs were in operation between Guwahati and
Fakiragram where the public response was measured by the fact that even
the rooftops of the DEMU were innundated by passengers. But lack of
revenue ( nobody bought tickets !) and political unrest (threats of
derailment - bomb blasts etc ?) caused these DEMUs to be transferred to
(the more profitable) Jallandhar.

If a DEMU is late in coming to the Jallandhar platform then the nearby
DEMU shed (which homes the largest number of DEMUs in India) is soon
invaded by the travelling public (with women, children and luggage!).
Apparently the shed staff is under considerable pressure about the
punctual running of these trains.

The countrywide distribution of DEMU/ DETC is as follows:

DEMU= Diesel Electric Multiple Unit
DETC= Diesel Electric Tower Car
(Self Propelled Overhead Catenary Maintenance Vehicle using the same
power pack)

Home Shed No of DEMUs Operates between

Madgaon(Goa) 3 Ratnagiri-Karwar (Konkan Railways)

Abu Road 6 Abu Road-Ahmedabad

Daund 4 Pune-Duand-Baramati

Shoranur 2 Shoranur-Nilambur Road

Satna 4 Satna-Maihar
Satna-Rewa
Satna-Manikpur

Jallundhar 23 Jalandhar-Amritsar
Jalandhar-Nakodar
Jalandhar-Pathankot
Jalandhar-Ludhiana
Jalandhar-Fazilka (?)
Total DEMUs 42

Home Shed No of DETCs Operates between

Bilaspur 2 Bilaspur-Shadol

Asansol 1 Asansol-Jhajha

Vijayawada 1 Tuni-Vizianagaramam

Satna 1 Katni-Bina

Kalyan 1 MumbaiCSTM-Igatpuri
MumbaiCTSM - Pune

Baroda 1 Baroda-Miyagam

Total DETC 8



Apurva Bahadur

From: dheeraj <dheeraj@iitk.email

Subject: The budget.

Date: 30 May 1998 20:35:00 -0500


What do people think as the best and the worst aspects of the budget.


The hike in Rajdhani and Shatabdi was too steep. The
hike in other upper class fares was on expected lines.

I don't mind the increase in reservation charges, and in fact,
they can increase it by another 10 rupees if they can use the
money to setup enough reservation counters that I can walk
into the reservation office and get the booking immediately.

Increase of superfast charges was long overdue. One hopes that
it will discourage the short distance passengers from hopping
into the superfast trains.

No hike in freigth charges is very welcome.

In my opinion, increase in 2nd class fares and MSTs was too little.
The level of subsidy is very high, and is causing resource crunch
for further investments in suburban sections.

There is no new announcement of how Railway plans to tap private
resources, now that BOLT scheme is put on hold. No initiatives on
how they propose to cut down workforce, or how they will improve
their efficiency.

There are two weekly super-deluxe AC expresses. One from Kurla to
Howrah, and another from Kurla to Nagpur. Are these the equivalent
of Rajdhanis that we were discussing earlier on the list. A
Rajdhani-type service between Mumbai and Calcutta is long overdue.

I didn't like even 22-coach trains when they were introduced, and
now 24-coach trains, and they are talking about 26-coach trains.
I would rather have more trains of 16-18 coach variety, giving
more flexibility to the traveller regarding time. But of course
that will take more locos, more tracks, more platforms, and so on.

The number of new projects in the budget is less than last years.
If this is because they would like to finish existing projects
before taking on new one, than it is a welcome move, but if it is
because of severe resource crunch, then it is a serious problem.
But there are a large number of surveys that will be started.

-dheeraj
--------------
Dr. Dheeraj Sanghi (0512) 59-7077/7638 (Off)
Dept. of Computer Science & Engineering (0512) 59-8627 (Res)
Indian Institute of Technology (0512) 59-0725/0413 (Fax)
Kanpur - 208 016 (UP), INDIA. dheeraj@iitk.email

From: Apurva Bahadur <iti@giaspn01.email

Subject: Turbo rundown test of the WDM2

Date: 31 May 1998 02:40:00 -0500


Hi Gang !

I have with me a handwritten operational manual of the WDM2 locomotive.

I wish to share with you a quaint procedure used to check whether the
huge turbocharger of the Alco 251 engine is defective or not.

This test is to be conducted if the Booster (Turbocharger in WDM2
pidgin) is not developing proper pressure during a run.

In my profession, I am near a lot of large diesel engines but I have
never heard of such a crude procedure. I think it offers a glimpse of
the diesel engine technology of 1950 and 60s.

Turbo Rundown Test

1. Secure the loco, Keep the A9 [Train Brake lever] in released
condition, keep the SA9[Loco brake lever] in an applied condition,
switch off the GF [ Generator Field], Keep the reverser in neutral
condition and put the ECS [Engine control switch] in the run mode.
2. Ensure that the Water Temp is greater than 49 degs centigrade
3. The driver should climb on top of the hood and sight the turbine of
the turbocharger through the 'chimney' (their term, not mine !)
4. The assistant should raise the engine to 4th notch RPM and allow
the engine to stabilize in speed.
5. The asst. should now shut the engine down by operating the MUSD
(Multiple Unit Shut Down) breaker on the control stand
6. As the engine begins to stop turning, the assistant must quickly
get down and come to the hood door to the 'Expressor' [exhauster
and compressor]
7. He must give a signal to the driver as to the instant the huge
engine stops rotating by looking at the crankshaft of the engine
coupled to the expressor.
8. The driver must count the number of seconds the exhaust turbine
takes to come to a stop, from the instant the engine has come to a
standstill.
9. If the turbine (which revolves at 18,000 to 19,000 RPM) takes more
than 90 seconds then it is a good turbocharger, any reduction in
the period of spinning down is an indication of an faulty turbo.
10. As simple as that !

Apurva Bahadur

From: Apurva Bahadur <iti@giaspn01.email

Subject: Re: The budget.

Date: 31 May 1998 03:18:00 -0500


Dear Dheeraj,

I saw Ram Naik on the TV last night. He was trying to justify the fact that
majority of the new projects are in Bihar not because our Nitish is from PNB
but because they want to develop 'Buddhist' railways to cater to the tourist
traffic in this sector. Whom is he bullshitting ?
A poor country like India cannot afford tourist oriented lines (that too in
the middle of Bihar) - but that was his number one reason ! He was caught
slightly off guard by the questions but I guess his faith in Buddhism is
slightly more than his faith in the planned developement of the whole
country !
A 26 coach train in the offing ! Where will they run it ?
A long train is a very good solution in Indian context. The major problem in
movement of trains (specially in Metros like Mumbai) is the non availability
of the 'path'. I am curious as to why you do not like these extra long
trains, please elaborate.
The AC express from CLAT to HWH and NGP is great news, pity it is not daily,
pity it is from the out of the way CLAT.
>From Pune the 1029/1030 Azad Hind Exp (PA - HWH) is now biweekly. This also
means that the Gyan Ganga Exp (1031/1032 PA - BSB Exp) which shares the rake
(rakes ?) will also become biweekly. Actually the Gyan Ganga does not go to
Varanasi - it goes to Manduadih, can you explain the difference beween the
two stations, Does train going to Manduadih go through Varanasi or does it
stop short like Kurla Terminus ?

Apurva Bahadur

dheeraj@iitk.email wrote:

> What do people think as the best and the worst aspects of the budget.
>
> The hike in Rajdhani and Shatabdi was too steep. The
> hike in other upper class fares was on expected lines.
>
> I don't mind the increase in reservation charges, and in fact,
> they can increase it by another 10 rupees if they can use the
> money to setup enough reservation counters that I can walk
> into the reservation office and get the booking immediately.
>
> Increase of superfast charges was long overdue. One hopes that
> it will discourage the short distance passengers from hopping
> into the superfast trains.
>
> No hike in freigth charges is very welcome.
>
> In my opinion, increase in 2nd class fares and MSTs was too little.
> The level of subsidy is very high, and is causing resource crunch
> for further investments in suburban sections.
>
> There is no new announcement of how Railway plans to tap private
> resources, now that BOLT scheme is put on hold. No initiatives on
> how they propose to cut down workforce, or how they will improve
> their efficiency.
>
> There are two weekly super-deluxe AC expresses. One from Kurla to
> Howrah, and another from Kurla to Nagpur. Are these the equivalent
> of Rajdhanis that we were discussing earlier on the list. A
> Rajdhani-type service between Mumbai and Calcutta is long overdue.
>
> I didn't like even 22-coach trains when they were introduced, and
> now 24-coach trains, and they are talking about 26-coach trains.
> I would rather have more trains of 16-18 coach variety, giving
> more flexibility to the traveller regarding time. But of course
> that will take more locos, more tracks, more platforms, and so on.
>
> The number of new projects in the budget is less than last years.
> If this is because they would like to finish existing projects
> before taking on new one, than it is a welcome move, but if it is
> because of severe resource crunch, then it is a serious problem.
> But there are a large number of surveys that will be started.
>
> -dheeraj
> --------------
> Dr. Dheeraj Sanghi (0512) 59-7077/7638 (Off)
> Dept. of Computer Science & Engineering (0512) 59-8627 (Res)
> Indian Institute of Technology (0512) 59-0725/0413 (Fax)
> Kanpur - 208 016 (UP), INDIA. dheeraj@iitk.email

From: dheeraj <dheeraj@iitk.email

Subject: Re: The budget.

Date: 31 May 1998 06:05:00 -0500


> I am curious as to why you do not like these extra long
> trains, please elaborate.

One reason that I already mentioned in my previous mail
is that a larger number of shorter trains give more options
to me as a traveller.

Second, I would like the time for which a train stop at a
station to be such that one can go from one end of the platform
to the other carrying a suitcase without having to run. I have
had enough experiences when a particular coach is not attached
at its usual location. I have also experienced situations when
I could not find the location of the coach on the reservation
chart, and two different coolies will tell me two separate
locations for the coach that I intend to board. Under such
conditions, it becomes very difficult to board the train.
Longer the train, more significant is the problem.

Just a couple of months ago, I had travelled by Kushinagar
Express. That nigt, the AC coach was the last coach, even after
the guard and luggage van. There were 2 or 3 coaches beyond
the platform, and the AC coach was at the end, and in the dark
from the end of the platform it appeared like a luggage van or
something. The chart said nothing about the location, nor was
any announcement made. The coolies were also not aware of this
location. I usually stand in the middle of the platform, watch
half the train pass by. So I know which half my coach is in, and
walk in that direction. So I walked away from the engine, reached
the end of the platform. I asked a TT. He told me that I must have
missed it in the beginning of the train. Then I walked back the
entire length of the platform, and back. I only had a briefcase.
If I had any more luggage, I would have surely missed the train.
There were only 4 passengers to board the AC coach from Kanpur. At
03:00 AM, I was too sleepy, and it was not a pleasant experience.
And it is not the only experience of this kind I have had.

-dheeraj
--------------
Dr. Dheeraj Sanghi (0512) 59-7077/7638 (Off)
Dept. of Computer Science & Engineering (0512) 59-8627 (Res)
Indian Institute of Technology (0512) 59-0725/0413 (Fax)
Kanpur - 208 016 (UP), INDIA. dheeraj@iitk.email

From: Donald L. Mills, Jr <dmills@MARSHALL.email

Subject: Re: Success of DEMU

Date: 30 May 1998 14:26:00 -0500


Hi Gang,
The DEMU sounds like it's success could be spread a little farther. A
little news state side for your ears.. The Surface Transportation Board
here in the states has up held Amtraks right to haul mail express. This
may not seem like great news to India since your trains have always had
mail express. During the early 60's most of this went to trucks. This is
good for us because part of STB stipulation is that Amtrak cannot carry
mail to any part of the US that it does not provide passenger service.
Meaning (I hope) that my state will within the next two years get daily
passenger service again. (If mail service is taken off India Rail you
will see your system fall like ours. ) Someone wrote earlier that they
had a problem with starting tourist trains in your upcoming budget,
(Buddist trains etc...) How much money comes to India each year by
tourism, Can someone do a comprehensive study and see if tourist trains
could impact this industry even more.

----------
> From: Apurva Bahadur <iti@giaspn01.email
> To: Indian Railways Info Zone <irfca@cs.email
> Subject: Success of DEMU
> Date: Saturday, May 30, 1998 1:15 AM
>
> Hi Gang !
>
> Amongst all the talk of road taking over rails there is a small success
> story here.
>
> The DEMU (Diesel Electric Multiple Unit) train, in which our firm is a
> vendor of the engine safety and managemant panel, has made quite a dent
> in the road transport between Jallandhar and Amritsar.
>
> The bus fare is about Rs 25 while the DEMU fare is Rs 10.50. The DEMU
> takes One and Half hours between Jallandhar and Amrtisar including two
> or three stops (where Mail/ Express trains take One hour and fifteen
> minutes non stop). The bus takes over two hours. Thus a whole load of
> travelling public has shifted from road to rail transport in Punjab.
>
> The above statements are not official, nor habe they been seen or
> verified by me. Even if they are inflated claims, there is some truth
> there.
> Till last year some DEMUs were in operation between Guwahati and
> Fakiragram where the public response was measured by the fact that even
> the rooftops of the DEMU were innundated by passengers. But lack of
> revenue ( nobody bought tickets !) and political unrest (threats of
> derailment - bomb blasts etc ?) caused these DEMUs to be transferred to
> (the more profitable) Jallandhar.
>
> If a DEMU is late in coming to the Jallandhar platform then the nearby
> DEMU shed (which homes the largest number of DEMUs in India) is soon
> invaded by the travelling public (with women, children and luggage!).
> Apparently the shed staff is under considerable pressure about the
> punctual running of these trains.
>
> The countrywide distribution of DEMU/ DETC is as follows:
>
> DEMU= Diesel Electric Multiple Unit
> DETC= Diesel Electric Tower Car
> (Self Propelled Overhead Catenary Maintenance Vehicle using the same
> power pack)
>
> Home Shed No of DEMUs Operates between
>
> Madgaon(Goa) 3 Ratnagiri-Karwar (Konkan Railways)
>
> Abu Road 6 Abu Road-Ahmedabad
>
> Daund 4 Pune-Duand-Baramati
>
> Shoranur 2 Shoranur-Nilambur Road
>
> Satna 4 Satna-Maihar
> Satna-Rewa
> Satna-Manikpur
>
> Jallundhar 23 Jalandhar-Amritsar
> Jalandhar-Nakodar
> Jalandhar-Pathankot
> Jalandhar-Ludhiana
> Jalandhar-Fazilka (?)
> Total DEMUs 42
>
> Home Shed No of DETCs Operates between
>
> Bilaspur 2 Bilaspur-Shadol
>
> Asansol 1 Asansol-Jhajha
>
> Vijayawada 1 Tuni-Vizianagaramam
>
> Satna 1 Katni-Bina
>
> Kalyan 1 MumbaiCSTM-Igatpuri
> MumbaiCTSM - Pune
>
> Baroda 1 Baroda-Miyagam
>
> Total DETC 8
>
>
>
> Apurva Bahadur

From: Heinrich Hubbert <hubbert@cityweb.email

Subject: M.G. steam photos Spring 98

Date: 30 May 1998 11:55:00 -0500


Please enjoy some of my latest pics of YP and YG on th WR and X on the
SR from March/April 1998:

<A HREF="http://www.steam.demon.co.uk/trains/india9.htm">http://www.steam.demon.co.uk/trains/india9.htm</A>

The report is edited by Bernd Seiler, who was travelling with me for a
while.

Heinrich

From: Vijay Balasubramanian <vbalasub@mail.email

Subject: Re: The budget.

Date: 31 May 1998 11:01:00 -0500


> There are two weekly super-deluxe AC expresses. One from Kurla to
> Howrah, and another from Kurla to Nagpur. Are these the equivalent
> of Rajdhanis that we were discussing earlier on the list. A
> Rajdhani-type service between Mumbai and Calcutta is long overdue.

This is very exciting! At last, we'll have non-Delhi Rajdhani-type
services
and it's great that these are going to operate on my favorite section -
Mumbai-Bhusaval. Any more information on these trains? We recently had
discussions about the various routes and run-times. To repeat
that, a Rajdhani-type train via Allahabad can cover the ~2150 km. distance
in
less than 30 hrs., thus, cutting off 3 1/2 + hrs. from the Gitanjali's
run-times.
However, if a major portion of Nagpur-Howrah has been upgraded to 110 kmph.
or more,
a train via Nagpur could cover the 1960 km. in about 29 1/2 hrs. with some
"tight"
running (no overdose of recovery times). I feel that the Howrah-Raurkela
Shatabdi Exp. now
runs at a max. speed of 110 kmph. I have observed a decrease in its
run-times
in the last year and its max. speed at the time of introduction was 105
kmph.

The Kurla-Howrah train would probably complement the Gitanjali's schedule
by departing
from Kurla around 4.30 pm and arriving Howrah around 9.45 pm. (next day).
In the return direction, it could leave Howrah around 6.30 am and arrive at
Kurla by NOON (next day).
Assuming that the Nagur train shares rakes/schedule, it would arrive at
Nagpur around 5.00 am
and depart around 11.30 pm.

Here's my "fantasy" Rajdhani-type exp. from Bombay to Howrah which I
had created a few years back. I have a similar version via Allahabad.
It would be interesting to find out how similar is the Kurla-Howrah
train to the following:


Bharat Exp.
-----------

Bombay V.T. - Howrah, weekly, 1AC, 2AC, 3AC
Shares rake with the Bombay V.T. - New Delhi Rajdhani Exp.
(another of my creations)

Approx: time schedule (for Dec. 1995):

Dn. Up
| /-\
\-/ Stations |
----------------------------------
16 15 d Bombay V.T. a 12 00

22 50 a Bhusaval d 5 00
23 00 d a 4 50

4 50 a Nagpur d 23 20
5 00 d a 23 10

9 00 a Durg d 19 07
9 05 d a 19 02

15 15 a Raurkela d 12 35
15 20 d a 12 30

17 50 a Tatanagar d 10 15
18 00 d a 10 05

21 50 a Howrah a 6 30
----------------------------------

ex. Bombay V.T. on Fri.
ex. Howrah on Sun.


Bombay V.T. - Igatpuri : DC elec. loco. (shares with Rajdhani exp.)
Igatpuri - Howrah : WAP1


- Is the only train not to halt at Gondia, Raipur and Bilaspur


Overtakes
---------

Dn. train - Ahmedbad - Howrah Exp. at Shegaon
Sewagram Exp. at Wardha
Chattisgarh Exp. at Tumsar Rd.

Up. train - Ispat Exp. at Rakha Mines
Sewagram Exp. between Chandur and Badnera


- This schedule assumes that most/all of Howrah-Nagpur has been upgraded
to 110 kmph. max. speed


Regards,
Vijay

From: Don Dickens <ddickens@e-z.email

Subject: A request for assistance

Date: 31 May 1998 07:23:00 -0500


As the creator of The Patiala State Monorail Tramway site
(<A HREF="http://www.e-z.net/~ddickens/monorail)">http://www.e-z.net/~ddickens/monorail)</A> I would like to expand it still
further. It has occured to me that there may be some on this list who
might be able to help. I am looking for two things at present.
1. Someone with good photographic skills who can visit the MRMI and take
well lighted, close-up, ground level pictures of the running gear
including the road wheel suspension. Pictures of the boiler backhead
would also be nice.
2 Someone with access to or a contact at the Punjab archives. I have
been told that this is the most likely place to find pictures of the
PSMT taken during its operation. If there are other sources, please tell
me about them.
If you can give such assistance or a lead to someone who can, you would
be performing an act of real value in recording the history of this
unique Indian Railway.
Thanks for your time.
Don Dickens

From: Apurva Bahadur <iti@giaspn01.email

Subject: New Train from CLAT to MAQ

Date: 01 Jun 1998 08:23:00 -0500


Dear Gang,

We have a new train today !

This is the 2619 Dn/2620 Up Kurla Terminus (CLAT) - Mangalore (MAQ)
Superfast via the Konkan Railway. This is a triweekly train [read as
'two rakes are allotted for this service ' :) ] leaving CLAT on Monday,
Thursday and Saturday at 1515 hrs to reach MAQ next morning 0730 hrs
next day.
The 2620 Up will leave MAQ on Wed, Friday and Saturday at 2100 Hrs to
reach CLAT at 1250 Hrs next day.
This train will stop at Thane, Panvel, Mangaon, Khed, Chiplun,
Ratnagiri, Sindhudurg, Madgaon (Goa), Honavar, Bhatkal, Kundapura,
Udupi, Mulki and Surathal in both directions.

Thus now there are two trains (the other train is 6635/6636 Netravati
Exp) between Mumbai and Mangalore.

Currently the motive power for the Konkan Railways is the WDM2 homing at
Kalyan, although a large shed is coming up at Verna (in Goa). There is
also a huge harshalling yard being contructed at Verna.

Apurva Bahadur

From: Vijay Balasubramanian <vbalasub@mail.email

Subject: Re: The budget.

Date: 31 May 1998 11:46:00 -0500


> From Pune the 1029/1030 Azad Hind Exp (PA - HWH) is now biweekly. This
also
> means that the Gyan Ganga Exp (1031/1032 PA - BSB Exp) which shares the
rake
> (rakes ?) will also become biweekly. Actually the Gyan Ganga does not go
to
> Varanasi - it goes to Manduadih, can you explain the difference beween
the
> two stations, Does train going to Manduadih go through Varanasi or does
it
> stop short like Kurla Terminus ?

The Gyan Ganga Exp. has been extended till Varanasi but has a halt at
Manduadih.
Manduadih (called "Madwadi" by the locals) is one station shy of Varanasi
in the Allahabad -
Madho Singh - Varanasi section. Till the conversion of Allahabad
City-Varanasi to BG
about two years back, it was one of the largest (if not the largest)
transhipment points in all of
India. The station is close to the DLW works and the surrounding colony.
I am surprised that
none of the express trains beside the Gyan Ganga Exp. halt here.

On another note, when are time-tables for this year being published? If
the 1998 ones have
already come out, would someone let me know the schedule for the Mumbai
Central - ADI -
Jaipur Exp.? Does it have just three halts between Mumbai Central and
Ahmedabad viz.,
Valsad, Surat and Vadodara? Also, Rediff on the Net mentions that a
bi-weekly Mumbai -
Bikaner Exp. will be introduced soon. Any idea about this train? Looks
like the Marwar-Jodhpur
convertion project is over. I hope this one is a superfast train with
limited halts. After all, Mumbai
deserves a superfast connection to Jodhpur and Bikaner.

Vijay

From: Apurva Bahadur <iti@giaspn01.email

Subject: Gitanjali derailment

Date: 01 Jun 1998 09:26:00 -0500


Dear gang,

With reference to the recent news about a derailment of the Gitanjali
Exp.

I have always felt that the SE tracks from Howrah till Nagpur have
severe oscillation. Tea gets spilt from the cups. A person standing next
to you may be in your lap the next moment - you know what I mean ! But
as soon as the train is in the Mumbai - Nagpur section the track is
noticeably smoother.
I wonder if any of you also have similar observations. I have always
believed that SER is much more efficient in maintenance than the CR.

I saw a yellow Plasser Theurer machine in operation on between Shivaji
Nagar and Pune station. Could not see much detail but it looked really
busy, throwing clouds of red coloured dust in the air. That colour is
not the usual tint of the sand at Pune ! Can someone explain the
function of the Plasser machine ? Apparently it cleans and packs the
ballast, realigns the gauge and the super elevation and the camber at
the same time while moving slowly.

Apurva Bahadur.

From: Prakash Tendulkar <prakash@jps.email

Subject: New pictures

Date: 31 May 1998 13:35:00 -0500


Folks,

In early 90s, I had made a video about suburban trains
in Mumbai. I have converted some of the frames into JPEG
to share with others. They can be seen at
<A HREF="http://www.jps.net/prakash/emu">http://www.jps.net/prakash/emu</A>

Prakash

From: poras p.saklatwalla <pps@godrejnet.email

Subject: Re: The budget.

Date: 01 Jun 1998 19:32:00 -0500


Hi Gang,
This is to just inform you that The weekly kurla - hwh express will be a
fully Ac train with 1AC,2AC,3AC as per information recd by me and the
Kurla NAGPUR Train will be a day train with chair car accomodation and
cover the dist in abouut 1o hrs. Wonder then why not a Shatabdi on this
route, may be the crowd cannot afford shatabdi fares. The KURLA HOWRAH
train will take roughly around 29 hours to Cal and will have the following
halts between Mumbai and Cal: KALYAN, KASARA, IGATPURI, BHUSAWAL, NAGPUR,
DURG, ROURKELA, TATANAGAR, AND HOWRAH.
Wonder whether this train will run with WAP 4/5/6/ HAULED LOCO FROM
IGATPURI OR BHUSAWAL.

PLEASE GIVE MORE INFO ON THIS TRAINS.

PORAS P.SAKLATWALLA
TEL :5773535/3636
EXT :4226/4232/4237

From: Apurva Bahadur <iti@giaspn01.email

Subject: Re: New pictures

Date: 01 Jun 1998 20:02:00 -0500


Hi Prakash,

Great pics. The jaywalkers and encroachment pictures brings a terrible
thought back to me. I was footplating a CSTM to ADI (CR to WR via
Harbour branch) local once. As we crossed some hutments we saw a small
baby crawling on the tracks in the same direction as the train. Honking
had no effect and we stopped just a few feet short of the unhurt infant.
The motorman had his shirt soaking wet with perspiration and all of us
in the cab had their lives shortened by a few years by the massive
tension of a few seconds.

Apurva Bahadur

Prakash Tendulkar wrote:

> Folks,
>
> In early 90s, I had made a video about suburban trains
> in Mumbai. I have converted some of the frames into JPEG
> to share with others. They can be seen at
> <A HREF="http://www.jps.net/prakash/emu">http://www.jps.net/prakash/emu</A>
>
> Prakash