Had been to SBC y'day to see someone off. Udyan was on PF 5 and Mayiladuthurai Exp on PF 6. They left within 10 mins of each other. The state of the two trains was a sharp contrast - Mayiladuthurai Exp with neat and newly painted coaches, and Udyan with old and stinky coaches. My heart bled on seeing it. I had travelled so many times when it was still with SWR. Even the sleeper class used to be clean. Damn CR maintenance !!!
Even with 6 AC coaches, the train seemed filled to capacity. People were perilously oozing out of the unreserved coaches at either ends of the train. Is it really so difficult to add a couple of more coaches...
more... and make this train neat and presentable?
It was very sad to see my favorite train in a state of decay.