TRIP REPORT
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Friends, I recently travelled by this train from BGM to SBC. I am presenting you report of my onward journey from BGM-SBC.
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Despite the recent scare of COVID-19, I had to...
more... be in SBC for a conference for a day. I scanned various options and found 20654 the most convenient, with plenty of tickets available in TQ. I immediately booked and got confirmed ticket in coach S7, 79 (SLB). I was happy I got SLB, but my joy was short-lived the moment I saw seat no 79, for this seat is SLB near the door and because of the light above, it does not allow you to sleep properly. Nevertheless, I enjoyed my journey.
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12779 Goa Express dropped be at BGM at around 20.00 hrs. I headed to the famous ‘Niyaaz’ Biryani outlet on PF-1 and had dinner, which was good. This was washed down by refreshing Nandini Badam milk :P. The rake of 20654 was already parked on PF-3. After dinner, I proceeded towards my coach which was just starting to fill. First impressions – the rake is clean both from outside and inside and everything was properly in place. The coach was a Sept 2019 ICF manufactured and “imported” from SER, with “ER” being erased and repainted by “W” in its place!!
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My co-passengers arrived in the adjacent bay and the SU berth above mine was fully vacant for entire journey. Thankfully, no menace of UR passengers occupying SL berths/floor in this train, even near the door, which was a pleasant surprise. The coach consisted only of reserved passengers throughout the journey. In the meanwhile, catering guys were doing there rounds, selling Veg Biryani, water, tea, coffee and beverages. We got the starter exactly at 21.00 and rolled out and slowly the train picked up speed. Crossed Londa Jn slowly at around 22.00 and the decent run continued till the first halt at DWR at 23.05 hrs. The steady run continued with some hiccups, and were received PF-1 of UBL at 23.50 hrs. A major chunk of passengers boarded the train at this station and we departed at 00.05. Announcements could be heard for the newly introduced 07309 YPR-VSG Special expected to arrive soon.
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Post departure, the dippy unleashed itself and hit MPS, thundering past quaint intermediate stations. TTE arrived and checked tickets. RPF constables could also be seen monitoring regularly. In the middle of the night with only track / EMD sounds and occasional horns with cool breeze blowing, it was sheer delight for the railfan in me. With minimal delays, we were detained AVC, possibly for crossing with 12781 Swarna Jayanti Express. We reached DVG at 02.20. Our pairing train, BGM bound 20653 arrived in a short while. We shook hands with her and took leave at 02.25
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The fabulous run continued for this leg as well and with a very few slowdowns, reached ASK at 04.20, only 10 minutes late. So far so good, I said to myself, since there have been reports of this train slightly losing its priority over last few days since regularization. We were welcomed by KJM Alco in charge of ASK-UBL Passenger on the adjacent platform. We were underway in 5 minutes at 04.25.
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The run from ASK to TK had a few unscheduled halts as well as slowdowns, as a result of which we arrived at TK at 05.55, some 25 min late. A handful of passengers got down while an equal number could be seen running towards GS coaches. Tea vendors could also been seen doing brisk business.
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For the final leg of journey, the Dippy, in the mood to make up some lost time, cut itself loose at MPS without any slowdowns upto YPR outer, where we were detained for about 5 minutes. We arrived at PF-3 of YPR at 06.50. A large number of passengers got down. The slow and steady run continued till SBC, where we were detained at outer once again for some 5-7 minutes, finally arriving on PF-8 at 07.20 hrs.
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Ratings:
Cleanliness: 8/10
Punctuality 7.5/10
Food: did not take, but at all major halts, tea and water is available. At UBL passengers have a wide choice.
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Thanks for patient reading :)
