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Track: Single Diesel-Line

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.
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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.

The AC coaches were cleaned couple of times last I traveled but the same can't be said for SL coaches. They were in below average condition. Most of the crowd is from Ayodhya Jn. Orders for food are taken by vendors on the train but the quality isn't good. Sometimes, [ especially in Bengal side ], folks selling idli come onto the train which is much better.

Tickets are relatively easy to get in this train because of the comparatively smaller origin and terminal stations. Speed is pitiable both due to slack...
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and loco reversals but the latter offers a good option for railfanning.

Cleanliness --- Sleeper & General Coaches are in a pathetic shape. No idea about the interior if you get a freshly POHed one.

Punctuality -- Nowadays gets delayed in SER itself.

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-- Dinner orders will be taken post KGP. Order then and there or you can order via E-Catering or take food from KGP, TATA, ROU. Local Hawkers keep coming up to sell snacks and Tea

UR pax capture the seats near to the door in Sleeper Coaches.

Catering services details availed during the journey (Pantry services food information)
Pic 1: Fish thali meal ₹.150 (1st day dinner)
Pic 2: Fish thali meal ₹.150 + 50 for chicken curry (2nd day lunch)
Pic 3: Chicken pakoda ₹.60 (2nd day evening snacks)
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4: Egg Chowmin ₹.50 (2nd day evening snacks)
Pic 5: Egg biryani ₹.100 (2nd day dinner)

Pic courtesy: Sahil Kosireddy