So here I post my return journey by 12309. Incidentally it was d last day of Bihar Diwas and pre-evening to Ram Navmi. Dak Bangla chowk and roads were beutifully decorated with programs, blocking all the roads towards Patna Junction. We were stuck in traffic for nearly 30 mins arriving nearly 7:05 PM at PF-1. Announcement was made of 12309 arriving shortly. As I started walking towards my coach, H2, which was at the end of platform, 12309 entered PF-1 slowly.
Sharp at 7:25 PM it started its onwards journey. H2 coach was Swarna coach with Toilet dispensar, modified compartments with LED clock and climbing stairs. Sharp 7:45 PM Mushroom soup was served with Dinner near 8:30 PM. As compared to 3...
more... AC food which I had just 4 days back in 12310, Dinner was excellent in 1 AC. We arrived MGS at 10 PM and standing at MGS till 10:30 PM. Just after MGS we overtook a LHB train at Chunar. I thought that it was SK, but possibly I was wrong. Non stop overtakes happened after 2:30 PM when we arrived Kanpur. At 6:30 AM we reached Gaziabad outer. We were made to stand at sahiabad for 20 mins when Lucknow AC Express arrived on adjoining platform with a WAP 5 and WAG 9 loco. 12309 started for NDLS and arrived at PF 12 sharp at 7:30 AM. Immediately Lucknow AC Express arrived on PF-13.
Observation:
1. This train is Bihar ka lala and no other train has guts to touch 12309/12310.
2. Pillows as available now is very fluffy and good quality
3. 1 AC coaches have been converted to Swarna. It is travelling with H3 also few times.
Pic1: 12309 red color shining coaches on PF-1 Patna
Pic 2: My Family boarding H2 coach
Pic 3: Swarna converted H2
Pic 4: Decorated Dak Bangla Chouraha, Patna