Hubballi - Home of UBL DLS - the place where the original imported EMDs were brought. The parent shed of EMDs and also holds "Godfather" amongst many illustrious locos, one of which was used for testing in KR at 179 Km/Hr. One of the 4 DLS to hold the fastest diesel loco of IR - WDP4.
So no wonder the entrance of this station is graced by a model of the original EMD.
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Hubballi...
more... also is the HQ of SWR. All the funds of UBL division, seems have spent in beautifying this station. I had gone more than a decade ago to this station. Now, seeing this was a big surprise. Big entrance hall, swanky looking shops, large no. of cops, cleaners cleaning continuously, the circulating area and PF 1 are huge with high ceiling giving an Airport look. Snazzy plumbing for drinking water taps. And many newer amenties like Wi-fi, baby nursing center, Aquaguards at both ends of all PFs. And also something new - a permanent kiosk set up to rescue abducted children and help distressed women.
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Having read descriptions in YT comments about how that UBL station is best in cleaning all passing trains, I got first hand experience in seeing Chalukya getting cleaned during its halt. Also constant washing of the washable apron as and when each train leaves. As soon as JS arrived and all de-boarded, the cleaning staff went to work first sweeping, then washing all aisles and also foot resting area. Then requesting passengers who had boarded to move and then went onto clean the seats with first wet cloth and then dry cloth. Something I noticed for first time here - the scrubbing of the FoB frame completely, even underneath.
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Also seen is the UBL shed top, line branching towards HPT, a shiny red single windshield Self-Propelled Supervisor van-Medical Van-Tool van.
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Info: On my way from Bagalkot to Hubballi, after entering the city limits I noticed that in the middle of a residential area, land had been levelled and sleepers placed. When I asked, I learnt the area was near Kusugal. I learnt that the line was for new Goods loading shed being built in the outskirts so that the trucks don't enter the city.
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