This was the last journey I undertook before the pandemic struck us down. I had been on a trip to Tuticorin, while coming back, I decided to break the journey in Chennai. I boarded the 16106 Express from Tiruchendur to Chennai Egmore, and boarded the Vasco-da-Gama weekly Express from Chennai Central.

This video covers the first part of the journey from MGR Chennai Central to Katpadi Jn.
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Breif Highlights of a Journey from Chennai Central to Krishnarajapuram, Bengaluru; on board the 17311 Chennai Vasco Express
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It was no less than an adventure for me the day this journey had happened! I had to attend a meeting in far off #Chrompet, rushed back to my home by EMU, packed, repeated the same rush to #Chennai #Park, albeit with a friend this time, and thankfully, 2 local changeovers, plenty of brisk paces, cutting through the crowd walks and a fast paced navigation from pf11 to...
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the stalls near pf3 later; I ended up in pf1 in front of my coach; with 2 water bottles, a bottle of Bovonto, a pack of biscuits and 15 mins to spare.
I was to board the 17311 Chennai #Vasco-da-gama Express from Chennai to #Krishnarajapuram. This train used to depart at 13:45 hrs earlier, taking a painful 6:30 hrs just to reach Krishnarajapuram & an hour and a half more to navigate through #Bengaluru suburbs and reach #Yeshvantpur. Now, I could be relieved that I lived in the southeast part of the city, and thus conveniently reach home at least an hour earlier than most of the passengers waiting to alight at Yeshvantpur. Presently this train's slot partner, Chennai #Hubballi Express has been speeded up & converted to a Superfast. Thus the benefit this train reaps - a good schedule between Chennai & Bengaluru.
Due to a slightly tired mind, I pretty much relaxed throughout the journey. And this journey features the bits n pieces i put together, just to keep on record, a journey compilation. It was a magnificent run to say the least, We departed Chennai Central at 15:00 hrs sharp, briskly accelerated and rushed past Suburbs to reach #Arakkonam an hour later. Back then the exit towards #Katpadi was still an S curve with speeds restricted to 30kmph even for non stop trains. The next 65 kms to Katpadi was a breeze of a run, with many intermediate halts of other popular intercity trains skipped at MPS. Under cloudy atmosphere, we pulled into Katpadi Jn. with minimal delay.
The next 84 kms to #Jolarpettai was sluggish to say the least, frequent start stops, slow runs, restrictions on speed etc. We took a leisurely 75 mins to do the stretch, and pulled into pf2 of Jolarpettai bang on time. It was an action packed stay there. We were on pf2. 22618 #Tirupati #KSR Bengaluru Intercity arrived & departed from pf1 in a few mins. The overtake was scheduled to happen. In the meantime, an overtake was happening in the opposite direction as well. #Salem Katpadi MEMU had pulled into pf3, while 12008 #Mysuru Chennai #Shatabdi express made a slow skip through pf4. Minutes after the Shatabdi passed, we too pulled out. Those who come to Jolarpettai, do try their Aloo Cabbage #Samosa, sold by platform vendors. It is usually oily, a total no from health freaks, but for the once in a blue moon occasion, it should do no harm for your tummy.
The twilight run in the ghats was uneventful, we breezed through #Kuppam once we came out of it. After a quick stop at #Bangarpet, we entered a section of uninterrupted MPS run all the way to the outer of Krishnarajapuram Station. The AJJ WAP1 heading us barreled ahead at MPS, trailing the Tirupati Intercity as closely as possible. High rise buildings began appearing closer to the tracks as we crossed #Whitefield. It was time for me to get my bags and move to the door. The advantage of this train compared to the #Lalbagh Express & Chennai Bengaluru express - it can accommodate only 72 reserved passengers per coach; lesser competition to deal with while making one's way to the door. In fact i even acted as a guide for some people at the door, unsure of where they should get down to reach their area; thus gleefully claiming my authority over the door.
We literally cruised into pf4 of Krishnarajapuram, at 20:15 hrs; just delayed by 7 mins. Going by timings (mentioned in the end of the video); this train and its slot partner feature in the top 5 quickest trains to Krishnarajapuram from Chennai. Do give it a try, less halts, less crowd, it is a peaceful journey.
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