TRAVEL WOES. Review on Konark Exp.

I had the most unforgettable experience of travelling by this train and will never again board this train. Though it was only an overnight journey from Pune to Hyderabad, it seemd like ages. The train was late by more than an hour, the compartment as filthy as a Municipal Corporation bin, with cups, plates and all other trash paraphernalia littered all over. The stink from the toilet whenever anyone opened it was unbearable. Wonder how the person managed to stay inside - could have fainted. The train originated from Mumabi and within four hours this was the condition.

More torture was in store. There was no difference between a reserved and general compartment. When I glanced around, I was surprised to see people sleeping down on the aisles and in between the seats. This was the sight of a reserved bogie, imagine the state of the unreserved bogies.

There was a scare in the middle of the night. I was woken up from my slumber(for the short time that I got to close my eyes) by some armed police shouting at the top of hisr voice to shut down the window. Within minutes  there was loud banging on the outside of the compartment. This went for about five minutes I realised later that there was stone throwing by some miscreants.

It was a virtual mobile market in tow. From the railway vendors hawking all sorts of snacks and meals, we had books, pens, water bottles, caps, etc(just to name a few) in a continuous flow like a stream.

I improved my long jump and high jump skills while trying to get down as the passage and exit were blocked. Luckily I had only a small bag in hand and managed to come out unscathed but with fond memories of the eventful journey.