Matheran - 2005

Matheran - 2005

Prakash Tendulkar

I visited Matheran in late February 2005. As I reached platform # 4 at Dadar station, Udyan Express toward Bangalore was entering in. Since I had IndRail pass, I went to AC2 coach and asked TTE if there is a room. He looked at me, a guy wearing shorts and T-shirt in winter, trying to check if there is a seat available in AC2 without showing a ticket and without carrying any baggage. He thought he dealing with a nut.

Nevertheless, he showed me a seat. After the train started, he came and asked me about my destination. "Karjat" was the answer. Now he was convinced that I was a "Real Nut". Why would a sane person going to Karjat (which is a next technical halt) board Udyan Express going to Bangalore?

I showed him my IndRail pass. He said, he cannot make a reservation for Karjat in this train. I understood his dilemma. I suggested that he make a reservation up to Bangalore but let me get down at Karjat.

Finally, he gave up. He let me travel without any formal reservation and get down at Karjat. From Karjat, I reached Neral by EMU.

Train to Matheran was on the platform minus the locomotive.

The "Toy" loco came in from loco shed and coupled to train.

Inventory on adjacent track showed various stock used for carrying cargo.

Second and First class coaches.

Parcel van carries one and half ton of cargo.

Manufacturer's label and warning in coach.

Many of the coaches have air brake mechanism for a few years now. I am not sure if CR plans to use air brakes in future or not. (Labor Union issues due to lay off of brakes men standing between coaches???)