Steam update -- Summer 1998

This article was originally published by the Indian Steam Railway Society (ISRS) in its newsletter, and is reproduced here by permission, which is gratefully acknowledged. Copyright for the material here rests with the ISRS and the author(s) of the article. The ISRS is the premier organization in India engaged in preservation and efforts to promote awareness of the country's railway heritage.

This article originally appeared in the FNRM Newsletter No. 2, Summer 1998.

Wankaner shed was seen in full steam at the beginning of April. Goods traffic had been suspended temporarily due to some dispute between the railway authorities and the salt merchants. 411/412 Morbi-Maliya Miyana passenger has been extended to arrive/depart from Wankaner. Current shed allocation is YP 2150/2233/2211/2805 and YG 3360/3430/3437/3318/3474/4369/42S2. Around 8-9 locomotives were seen scattered around the shed awaiting condemnation formalities.

Jetalsar & Junagarh sheds (30.03.98) Only two passenger services remain on steam namely 331/32 Jetalsar-Dhola and 387/88 Junagarh-Dhari. Steam is pressed into minor shunting jobs at Junagarh and Jetalsar as and when the need arises. Jetalsar shed allocation is VP 2151/2257/2684/2679/2590. 2257 is the best performer of the shed.

The once upon a time grand Mhow shed (25-03-98) has been reduced to 4 locos namely YG 3261/3334/3724 and YG 2825. They are being utilised for banking services on the Patalpani-Kalakund ghat, shunting at Mhow and for hauling 89/90 between Mhow and Ratlam. The shed roads were being upgraded for diesel loco maintenance and there were rumours rife with the news of the steam shed closing shortly. YG 3333/4028 and VP 2508/2795 were seen dead at the yard awaiting scrapping.

Darjeeling Himalayan Railway and Nilgiri Mountain Railway remain 100% steam after trials with NDM-5 diesel locomotive failed miserably on the DHR line.