Train Journey during COVID-19 Pandemic

Covid-19 has affected almost the lives of every individual out there. During these tough times they have found it hard to get going and these tough times have also brought a change in the lifestyles. Things have turned upside down and so the way of travelling. After remaining shut down for almost two months Indian Railways resumed their services. To experience the 'NEW NORMAL' in train journeys,I decided to take one journey down to Vijayawada from Kanpur. But what was more exciting was that I was travelling alone and that it was a Break journey and not a direct one. So the journey was to Start from Kanpur Central to Jhansi Jn in 01804 Lucknow-Jhansi Intercity Exp. On entering into the station premises there was no screening but only luggage scanning and ticket check. After the formalities I entered Pf.1 and sat there for a while until I decided to move to Pf.3 to take a few photos. The station never seemed so silent as it was and one after another trains arrived and departed.

Day1:

It was 18.15 hrs when my train arrived. My ticket was in A.C. Chaircar, so it was going to be a comfortable journey. We departed bang on time and after a few kilometers reached our 1st halt Govindpuri where VARANASI-NEW DELHI VANDE BHARAT EXP overtook us and much to my disappointment I couldn't capture it on my camera. Then we departed and soon started cruising at 110kmph in the semi-single line route of Kanpur-Jhansi. On the way we halted at few stations like Kalpi,Pokhrayan etc but I was waiting for the halt at Orai to cherish the famous Gulab Jamuns of the station. At around 20.15 hrs I reached Orai and rushed to the nearest stall offering Gulab Jamuns and also took Khasta (Puff). We departed again and started cruising at around 100kmph. I had my dinner which my mom had packed for me, the delicious Paneer Butter Masala with some Pooris and Rice. Then I plugged in my earphones and took a small nap. After one and half hour the train was running in the outers of Jhansi and guess what, we were running well before time. At sharp 22.00 hrs I reached my Destination Jhansi 25 mins before time. But the journey was still on. I had another train to board from Jhansi to Vijayawada at 00.55 hrs. So I was wondering what to do for the next 2.30 hrs and surprisingly my relatives were also onboard the same train till jhansi and they also had to board another one at 1.00hrs. So I spent my time having chit chat with them but regretted the fact that I could not go from platform to platform to spot some Legendary trains. But while sitting near Pf.2 I noticed Chattisgarh Sampark Kranti Exp arriving at Pf.1,now you would wonder what's special in that. The special thing was that it was powered by a GOEL TMT branding locomotive. I rushed to the end of the platform to capture the unique locomotive. Then quite after a time the board displayed that my train 02616 NEW DELHI-CHENNAI CENTRAL G.T. SPL was arriving at Pf.2. I started walking where the position of my coach was displayed. I was travelling in 2nd A.C. The train arrived bang on time. The good thing happened in these testing times is that trains are running on time as Railways is operating on a less frequency. I settled myself on the lower berth and noticed that the compartment was almost empty. We departed on time and I was excitingly waiting for A.P. Exp to overtake us. At night around 3.00 hrs A.P. Exp overtook us before Bina Jn and again I could not capture it. Just before reaching Bina Jn I decided to sleep.

Day 2:

I woke up at 5.00 hrs when we were arriving Bhopal Jn (the city of lakes) . I got down to fetch myself a water bottle and a cup of tea and believe me, it was so cool out there in Bhopal. Soon after departing Bhopal we reached Habibganj. This station is getting privatized and is expected to be a airport like Station. From here the real fun was to start, the Budni Ghat Section was to start after Habibganj. As the train departed I was standing at door with that cool winter breeze hitting me and the train's honk echoing over the sleeping city of Bhopal. It was still dark so there was nothing great to capture. At 6.10 hrs started the ghat section and hopefully it was clear enough to capture the ghat section. And man you won't believe me how beautiful this ghat section was especially during the winter morning. Those big mountains and lush green forests with small bridges over them. I was just left in awe seeing those beautiful scenes but it was not as intresting as the Up side Ghat section looks. After the Ghat section we reached Hoshangabad where the station was mostly covered with fog and in the meanwhile BANGALORE RAJDHANI overtook us. Now the next thing I was hoping was to get a good breakfast at Itarsi Jn and I was not disappointed. I got myself a Samosa Chat as breakfast and had bread butter later. After Itarsi I relaxed for a while until the Itarsi-Nagpur Ghat section started. An another mindblowing ghat section with caves,bridges,mountains,small lakes and some langoors to look out for. After such a beautiful section we reached the Orange City NAGPUR way before time. I bought myself a Haldiram Lassi which is quite popular here. Had some lunch and then came Sewagram. Captured the famous Sewagram curve and then came CHANDRAPUR. I clicked some photos and then we approached our next halt BALHARSHAH. Sadness is realizing that you no longer get the Sambar Vada which was available before. So I got myself a flavored milk and we left after a long halt. I was tired and I decided to sleep. When I woke up I found myself in Mancherial in Telangana State. As the time flied we reached Khammam and we were only 250 kms away from our final destination. The last leg of the journey gave a different feel all together. I felt like to continue travelling for the upcoming days also. The train was running an hour before. We skipped Kondapalli at a sedate pace and were about to reach an hour before the scheduled time at Vijayawada but an unscheduled halt at Rayanapadu made sure we reached on time only. A long wait at Rayanapadu and then we started to move with some trains bound to Bihar crossing us. Once again we were made to halt at the outers of VIJAYAWADA. And finally we proceeded only to reach on time. While exiting PURI-CHENNAI EXP arrived at Pf.1 and it was completely empty. While making my way out from the South Terminal if the Station. Passengers were asked to stay in a queue for the Covid Testing. I was hesitant but I got myself tested and it came out negative the next day.
So overall it was a great experience travelling in these Covid times with mask on. Proper sanitization of trains and stations was ensured by the Railways and the train was also very punctual. It was great standing at the door and seeing the landscapes disappear in no time with breeze constantly hitting me on my face.I think people like me who love to travel must once experience a journey in these times as it will a great one to remember for lifetime.

HAPPY TRAVELLING!!!😄