Chugging Along: The Chronicles of the Hubli Guntur Passenger
The Unpredictable Journey
There’s something magical about train journeys, isn’t there? But let me tell you about the Hubli Guntur passenger train, a journey unlike any other, filled with adventures, delays, and unexpected encounters. Affectionately dubbed ‘beauty’ by its regulars, this train held a unique record — a ‘gold’ medal for its consistent late arrivals. Every trip promised a new story, a fresh adventure.
A Glimpse into the Past
Travelling in second class, with the wind in my hair and the rhythmic chug of the train as my constant companion, was an experience to cherish. Armed with a student’s concession and a berth secured by a helpful porter, the journey was always eventful. With no pantry car in sight, my meals were packed from home, adding a personal touch to the voyage.
The train, crawling at 20 Km/hour, embraced every stop with open doors, inviting a parade of vendors, beggars, and even the occasional thief. The absence of ticket checks made it a haven for free riders. Among the official staff, the engine’s trio — the driver, lineman, and boilerman — were the unsung heroes, ensuring our steady progress through the landscape.
Stops Along the Way
The ‘watering’ stations were a sight to behold, where the train paused for a vital refresh, and local vendors seized the moment to serve fresh snacks, turning these stops into culinary hotspots. Nighttime brought challenges, especially when passing through the notorious ‘Nallamalla’ forest, a stretch marked by tales of red sandalwood thieves and sudden, unexplained stops.
Memories of Delays and Friendships
One particular memory stands out — a day when the engine’s hunger for coal brought me to a standstill, transforming a routine journey into an extended stay on the Guntur platform. These moments, though fraught with discomfort, were the perfect backdrop for forming lasting friendships and engaging in the most enriching conversations on every topic under the sun.
The End of an Era?
Just yesterday, a news clip caught my eye, signalling the end of an era for passenger trains. The railway minister’s decision to transform these reliable workhorses into ‘express specials’ with revised fares marks a significant shift. This change, while retaining the routes and the rakes, imposes a new cost on the very essence of these journeys.
A Farewell to Simplicity
As I ponder this transformation, reminiscing about the days of simple fares and simpler times, a thought strikes me. If I had the power, I’d christen them ‘specials’, a tribute to the countless unticketed stories that unfolded within their compartments.
A Cliffhanger Ride Ahead
As we brace for the future of train travel in India, one can’t help but wonder, what stories will the ‘express specials’ bring? Will the magic of unexpected delays, newfound friendships, and the thrill of journeying through the heart of India persist? Only time will tell. But one thing’s for sure: the tracks may change, but the tales of the rails will continue to enchant us, beckoning us to embark on another journey. What will the first voyage of the ‘express special’ unveil?
