Travelled on 06518 from Hindupur to Doddaballapur in GN after returning from some work in Hindupur, here are my observations.

I had arrived in Hindupur earlier in the day on the SBC-SSPN MEMU, on which I had only got standing room. In contrast, this train had a few empty seats on departure from Hindupur. I had reached the station at around 3 pm, an hour before the departure. The rake was lying idle on platform 1 right from the time of arrival of my morning MEMU to SSPN.
...
more...

Loco link was a factory fresh KJM WAG9HC, manufactured in February 2024.

The coaches (GN and SL) were clean.

The train departed dot on time and quickly accelerated to 100 kmph, which is impressive for an unreserved train.

We crossed quite a few other trains during the course of the journey, including the Vande Bharat expresses to KCG and KLBG. A drizzle in the scenic Makali Ghats further lightened my spirits.

Vendors had boarded the train at Hindupur and Gauribidanur selling water and snacks, but I didn't buy any.

The train arrived at Doddaballapur on time.

I was initially skeptical of boarding this train, but the experience exceeded my expectations.