This is the 1609A passenger that is taking us to Daundaj. This train is hauled today by the Pune WDG 3A # 13059 that had the sleeping Pune WDM 2 # 18495 in tow. The train is stopped at Shindawane for a crossing with a freight train.

Another view of the 13059 with the 1609A passenger at Shidawane. The line is undergoing many changes, all in the name of an increase in efficiency. Replacement of the upper quadrant semaphore signals with colour light signals, chucking the Niele’s ball

Shindawane is a very beautiful station, as you can see.

The train that we were waiting for – a Pune bound BCN rake hauled by Pune WDG 3A pair # 14810 and 14816. Shindawane.

Another view of the BCN rake as it thunders by over the curve towards Shindawane in preparation for the token exchange – yes, the panel interlock is not complete, the colour lights are in place and operational in some places, but the interlock is with t

A bittersweet goodbye to Upper Quadrant Semaphores – today, a modern colour lamp is in the same place instead. This is the base of the Shindawane ghat.

The 1609A down delivers the IRFCA Pune chapter representation at Daudaj.

WDG 3A # 13059 opens up fast leaving Daundaj with the 1609A Down passenger, attempting to make up time after being almost an hour late.

Much of the railway line at Daundaj station is in the rock cuttings, as can be seen here.

The big loop lies about a km out of Daundaj towards Valha. Here is a panoramic view of the site – the convenient hillock is located in the middle, in front of the house with the red roof.

While John decides to laze around in this spot, Ashish went for the hillock by the valley floor. I walk to the hillock by the railway line.

Our luck was not very strong today, we saw only one train at the great Daundaj loop – but what a train this was ! Two capable WDG 3As from Gooty overwhelming the valley with loud thunder. The great locos were # 14971 and 14788 – both variants of the G

The Gooty twins climb into the Daundaj loop with a loaded BCN rake.

The locos arrive at the point nearest to the observation point, the embankment holding the line is garlanded with Cactus and Agave.

The train is still turning into the loop towards Daundaj but getting further away from us. The hills are typical of this area, showing similar geological construction and erosion patterns.