I Traveled in this train on 30th August from Arakkonam to Namakkal in Sleeper class. My coach was a 95 made SL, It was maintained awesome. Not only my coach , the entire train was clean.
All its 2012/2013 were given to other trains still it was very clean. Many were replaced with 95,96 coaches. The restroom was cleaned superbly. To say about the journey in one word , i can term it as "FANTASTIC".
Actually i reserved from MAS-DG. Then i changed my plans and i boarded at AJJ. The TTE...
more... cordially said me that he would have given the seat to wait listed passengers if i had not boarded the train at AJJ. I reserved up to DG to exploit the GNWL in Tatkal quota. Namakkal's quota vanished in seconds. It followed the legendary Blue mountain while entering into AJJ. As soon as Blue left AJJ , Palani express entered into the platform. Grandpa WAP-1 was powering it. It was in my favorite Rajdhani livery. After a 2 min halt, the Grandpa showed its class, it was an absolute mad run to KPD, It unleashed its untamed power. It reached KPD within 50 mins. Ten mins before time. I slept after that, then i woke when the train was about to reach SA. It reached Salem at 02:20. 15 minutes before the scheduled arrival where the traction change happened. AJJ WAP 1's are really good. ED WDM 3A took in charge after SA. I slept for a while and woke when the train reached Namakkal. A huge crowd alighted at Namakkal. Tips to be taken care at Namakkal is that lack of connectivity at 3 AM. Only few autos and one TN govt bus is available.
So please plan accordingly.
RATINGS:
Speed: 10/10 [ Speed was impressive throughout the journey, TT can be speeded up by 20 mins]
Maintenance: 10/10 [ 96 made coach refurbished some 6 months back, Charging sockets near the doors]
Cleanliness: 10/10 [ Toilets were clean, washbasin were clean, no cockroach and rat menace]