Had a trip in "Aapli CR Rajdhani" on 6th November.
Already did coverage ( /blog/post/5052504 ) of same train in detail previously so didn't think about taking more pictures.
Totally loved 130 MPS Run, got regulated before Agra, Jhansi and Itarsi. Got to experience lightings of surroundings caused by sparks when Locomotive Ajni WAP 7 was cruising through, lighting the trees, freight trains, empty stations occasionally- BREATHTAKING EXPERIENCE. Guys go for A5 or B11, you'll love it.
Excellent...
more... maintenance, Super OBHS Staff, super clean toilets- stark contrast with poorly maintained Udyan Express. Can't believe both trains are from same Zone.
Highly patronised from intermediate stations,
1. Gwalior and Agra had HUMONGOUS CROWD for this train all rushing to get in as halt time was only of 2 minutes- needs to be increased to at least 5 minutes to avoid stampede like situation. Gwalior crowd totally blew my mind, had to actually tell people to board from empty doors and use vestibules to get to their coach. Was so surprised that couldn't even click pictures there.
2. Jhansi also provided decent patronage.
3. Bhopal had many deboardings and high boardings.
4. Jalgaon had decent boarding for Mumbai, maybe to go further through Mumbai Airport. Shows the need for morning Shatabdi train from Bhusawal to Mumbai. Had a decent halt time of 15 minutes there, instead of just 2 minutes shown on the official time table- got to know from staff that 10-15 minutes is regular halt time there.
6. Nashik Road had many deboardings, surprisingly a few boarded- most of them Senior Citizens.
7. Kalyan Junction is the superstar of this route, more deboardings than ever CSMT. People started going towards the doors in preparation for deboarding from Kasara only due to scheduled halt of 2 minutes only. Actually train had a good halt of 20 minutes, still managed to reach CSMT 2 minutes ahead of time. Couldn't even go to the door due to huge rush of deboarding passengers.
Attached: Pictures clicked at various stations.
Last are of relativity empty CSMT station and road outside. EDIT: Forgot to add Gwalior pics taken after departure added in last.
Updated: Video of Igatpuri Skip