Gwalior - Sheopur Narrow Gauge Trip

Images from a trip on the Gwalior - Sheopur Kalan Narrow Gauge section. Part of the former Gwalior Light Railway built by the Scindia rulers, it is the longest section in the world operating in the 2' gauge covering 198 km.

Date: 2009-04-13
Owner: Gallery Administrator
Size: 25 items
001

Leaving Gwalior station, the NG line circles around the hill which houses the city's famous fort ( a portion of the hill can be seen in the background). The track literally passes through the backyards of local residences. Two elderly ladies chat amiably

002

From the very first station (Ghosipura) itself, the train is full enough to warrant rooftop riders. And the train hasn't even left the city limits. ()

003a

Sequence 1.1 - Between Gwalior and Ghosipura lies perhaps the world's longest level crossing. The train slows down to 5 kmph as it curves in to the road section. Note the gates which control the access of the train to this section. ()

003b

Sequence 1.2 - The road and the track pass through this cutting between the hill. The two same a common alignment due to lack of width, hence the entire road section is closed off when the train comes. However, it does not prevent this autorickshaw to sne

003c

The track and the road share the same path for about 500m. Sequence 1/3 - The far end of the level crossing can be seen in the distance. ()

003d

Sequence 1.4 - This is the view looking back. Dismantled track pieces can also be seen lined up on the side. ()

003e

Sequence 1.5 - The train veers off sharply to the left at the end of the section. Thanks to the early hour, there's nary a soul to be bothered by the long closure. ()

gwl_roof

Roofing on the Gwalior - Sheopur passenger. When there is no place inside, everyone heads to top. And it is an entirely different train up there - including exclusive vendors. Photo taken just as we are entering the Chambal National Reserve Forest. (Bhara

004

Leaving the city behind, we enter the heartland of the former Scindia state. Sumaoli is the first major stop on the way. Our approach into the station is through thick woods which literally engulf the track. ()

005

Sumaoli is also site for the first crossing of the day. The extended halt is well utilised by the crowd to grab some Chai and Samosas. ()

006

The incoming train is the morning Sabalgarh - Gwalior passenger. Unsurprisingly, the train is packed to the rafters. ()

007

Another look at the train. Loco in charge is NDM-5 #803 from the Gwalior shed. ()

008

Mohan is trying hard to blend in with the locals - some of whom are busy catching a late morning nap. ()

009a

Sequence 2.1 - Just after Kailaras, one needs to cross the Kuari (Kwari/Kuwari) river. Again, road and rail share a common path. Here our train is curving in to the section leading up to the track. ()

009b

Sequence 2.2 - Road traffic is made to halt as the train gets the right of way. ()

Comments
(view all 6 comments)
Lovely coverage of the least explored section.
Posted by Arzan Kotval on 2009 Apr 23 17:44:17 +0100
good album from a least explored line.
Posted by Deepak Murali on 2009 Apr 18 16:31:14 +0100
The essence of Indian Railways and the common man. A very good set of collection.
Posted by Krupa Ratnam on 2009 Apr 16 04:40:19 +0100