What do you think first when you hear “train”? I guess, for most of us, it would definitely be a train running on tracks by Indian Railways. Especially South Gujarat people, who can reiterate the whole time-table of trains running between Ahmedabad-Mumbai. For many, travelling on train is a routine. Be it, people doing up-down in local trains in Mumbai or metro in Delhi. I prefer travelling by train more than anything. For me, trains are fascinating. (And for Dr.Sheldon Cooper too)
Today, I want to tell you about a train journey having history going back in times of Britishers. Britishers brought narrow gauge trains in India for themselves in 1832 and also made it available for people of India to travel in 1853. That time trains were pulled by steam engines.
One of many routes connected by trains was Jambusar (JMB)-Pratapnagar (PRTN). Jambusar is a town in Bharuch (earlier Broach) district and Pratapnagar is one of the railway stations of Vadodara city. They are connected by Narrow Gauge railway.
Jambusar used to be a junction when it was connected to Kavi and Bharuch (via Samni). However, both routes were shut down by the railways to reduce costing as running cost was more than the income. Still the name remains…
We reached Jambusar railway station at around 1330 hrs. As expected, there was nobody except 2-3 young boys doing time pass. Ticket windows looked like they haven’t been opened since Jurassic era. We enquired about the train and got reply that train will come around 1400 hrs.
So we waited there and train came around 1350 hrs from Pratapnagar. Suddenly the station became alive with the whistle of the engine and voices of passengers.
The same diesel loco engine which had brought the train, was attached again towards the direction of Pratapnagar.
The friendly guard asked us where we were going and after knowing where we were headed, he gave us the following gem, the old school ticket:
The train departed at 1420 hrs. The next station was Jambusar Road, where many passengers boarded. The whistle of the train was so soothing to ears. The coach had torn seats, wooden windows and totally vintage feeling. Coach was shaking like a dancing car(movie reference: PK 😀 ).
At few crossings in Jambusar town, persons were available to close the gates. While during the journey, most of the times train stopped before the crossings; a person climbed down; closed the gates; gave green signal; train passed; he opened the gates; he boarded the train; train moved ahead. Funny, no? Then watch the following video:
The distance between Jambusar and Pratapnagar is approx 52 kms. However, it takes approx 3.5 to 4 hours to reach because of speed restrictions and frequent precaution stops. There are 59 sign boards(caution orders!) during entire route before any crossings/trail/wild life passage to stop the train, honk and then to move ahead.
This journey is a bit different than other train journeys in India, as you will not find any snacks or water vendors or even stalls at stations. So, you better carry enough food and water for the entire journey. Though I lost count of stations in between, but after Padra, we started seeing pakka buildings and traffic telling us that we were near to Vadodara.
We alighted at Vishvamitri Jn. Here, the broad gauge tracks go above the narrow gauge tracks. It was one of the life time journeys, as you travel through villages, farms and jungle areas in a mini train at a slow speed. It is heard that this route will be converted in broad gauge in future, so who have wish to travel in narrow gauge/mini train, don’t miss the chance.
Few more photos of the journey:
Bharuch 