Part-2
I was surprised to see 16516 completely empty; there were only 5 people in my coach till MAJN. The train got filled somewhat only in SBHR. Twin GY-WDG4 were attached as bankers to push my train till SKLR. The next part of my route was completely breathtaking, with 55 tunnels and about 300 bridges through the majestic western ghats. The mountains were covered with a green carpet! This section is truly the best railfanning route in the ghats. Just occupy a door for 3 hours from SBHR to SKLR, on the left side of the train.
Once...
more... we crossed Hassan, there was a huge slack for the train and arrived before time in ASK and waited for 45 mins to allow the 12080 JS to overtake and proceed to SBC. After a quick snack of idlis, the Bangalore shivamogga passenger entered ASK. As we entered ASK, 11005 DR-PDY chalukya express left towards YPR. When entering YPR, we had to wait for 11005 to proceed towards PDY! At TTR we crossed the YPR-HRR LHB intercity, which was completely empty. This train seriously does not deserve the LHB coaches. We crossed gol gumbaz towards SUR in TK. We were halted again at Golhalli and chikkabanavara due to platform constraints at YPR probably. The mighty SWR Rani chennamma crossed at BAW. Finally the train arrived at YPR at 22.15 on PF# 5.
Pics:
1: TB-16516
2,3: Mighty Western ghats
4: SB- SKLR
5: SB- HHT
6: SB- KGVL
7: Information board- ASK
8: Empty train chart for D3 in 16515
9: SB- YDK