Shatabdi Express: My short travel diary
“ जीवन में लोग परिवर्तित होते हैं, तेज़ी से आगे बढ़ जातें हैं। रेल भी आपको और आपकी भावनाओं को तीव्र गति से गंतव्य तक पहुंचाती है।”
— प्रमोद शर्मा
I feel so energetic whenever I get an opportunity to write about my favourite mode of transport — The Train.
Recently I had a privilege of travelling to Pune from Secunderabad junction by train. The train which revolutionised the concept of speed and business in India since 1988 paving special route in the annals of Indian Railways. I am talking about the “Shatabdi Express”, which commenced operations in 1988 between Delhi-Jhansi.
I always prefer travelling by train as I personally feel connected to the myriad landscape and obviously that feeling of “completeness” upon arriving at the destination. I arrived at the station well ahead of time, gazed at the digital display and made my way to platform number 3, where the train actually starts from.
My train number 12026 docked at the platform some ten minutes late, the rake maintained by SCR (South Central Railway), as the original departure time is 245pm. The inbound train is 12025, that gets a makeover in twenty minutes before setting off for Pune as 12026. There is this ineffable feeling about Shatabdi trains due to my previous trips:
- Delhi-Bhopal Shatabdi
- Delhi-Amritsar Shatabdi
- Delhi-Kathgodam Shatabdi
- Now, Secunderabad-Pune Shatabdi
Specialty about our beloved Shatabdi Express trains:
- These trains start and terminate their journey on the same day which includes a distance of 500–650km.
- Known for their speed. These premium trains have limited boarding stations.
- No berths for sleeping since these return to their origin the same day.
- Fully air conditioned coaches and comfortable pushback seats.
- Catering service
- Dynamic fare strategy applicable at the time of booking.
I just so love their sky blue coloured LHB coaches with a grey coloured cheatline, that scream “Speed” and “Comfort”. The same continues for my journey as well. Today, our train comprised of a special Vistadome coach ( designated as EV) followed by Chair Car (CC) and Executive Class (EC).
The cabin is filled with teal coloured seats and wallpapers. Hauled by WAP-7 locomotive, our train pulled out at 3pm and in no time we were in the outskirts of Hyderabad, heading west.
Around 4 pm snack service began and trust me it was delicious. The piping hot samosa was the star of the day. I chose a cup of hot tea instead of coffee as I am a tea person. The big rectangular windows ensured that everyone gets to snap some beautiful views of the vibrant landscape.
Soon we arrived at the Wadi junction. After a quick few seconds, the train picked up speed. The atmosphere inside the coach was energetic with children, families, students and working professionals.
Around 830 pm dinner was served. It was good meal though and I was sort of full. As it was dark already so many passengers soon fell asleep. We crossed Sholapur junction before arriving at Pune Junction around 1120 pm. Didi not even fathom how quick it was. I did not feel like de-boarding, but then I had to.
I once again look forward to another exciting journey onboard Shatabdi express, may be a different city pair this time.
