Climbing the Aravalis

A journey from Marwar Jn. to Mavli Jn. by the 52075 passenger

Date: 2011-02-23
Owner: Shashanka Nanda
Size: 16 items
01-mj-doublestack

A double stack container train approaches Marwar Jn. from the Ajmer side. Also visible are a bunch of MG coaches mounted on BG flatcars, destined for POH in Bikaner Workshops. ()

02-mj-doublestack

The double stack containers in their full glory. These trains have real high priority. On a single line section, this train made to Marwar in almost the same time as my Express, though we overtook it some 110 kms prior. ()

03-ldh-flatcar

A Ludhiana based WDM2 races through Marwar Jn. with a rake of empty flatcars. The tracks curving to the left are the ones leading to Jodhpur. ()

04-mvj-mj

The morning service from Mavli enters Marwar via a sweeping curve. The same train will reverse and return as the 52075 service at 1350 hrs. ()

05-aravali1

Simultaneously, the Aravali Express on its way to Mumbai enters the BG platforms led by a Bhagat Ki Kothi WDP4. ()

06-aravali

To make it a triple whammy, the opposite Aravali too enters Marwar just as its counterpart comes to a halt. ()

07-ghat begins

The Ghat section on the MG line to Mavli begins after a reversal at Phulad and one can clearly see the climb on the straight line heading into the hills. ()

08-climb1

Having reversed at Phulad, the 6472 notches up to tackle the steep climb up the Aravalis. ()

09-climb2

Even though the MPS in the Ghat Section in 19kmph, the loco has to run in high notches to compensate for the rising gradient. ()

10-goramghatpano

As one approaches Goram Ghat station, one can see the line heading further across the valley on the opposite side via a horse shoe curve (not in pic). Two viaducts are also visible in the panoramic image. ()

11-curved viaduct

Having crossed over to the other side of the valley, our train crosses some lovely curved viaducts which abound this line. ()

12-tunnel

Our train enters one of the two tunnels on the route. The tunnels are unique as the portals do not have any masonry work typical of other IR tunnels. ()

13-curve

The Loco Pilot is all concentration as the passenger negotiates a series of excruciatingly tight turns. ()

14-curve2

More curves, more grades and the YDM4 shows off its true Alco heritage. ()

15-summit

As the train approaches the highest point on the line, there remains one final grade to climb, and this one looks to be steepest on the entire section. ()