I travelled Ankleshwar (Gujarat) last weekend for back to back two sessions with youth in LEHER. I preferred to travel by train and worked out to find the appropriate train, unfortunately I didn’t find any direct train from Veraval although there is a train – Saurashtra Mail but it doesn’t have stoppage at Ankleshwar station!
Finally, I decided to travel via Rajkot junction which is almost 200 kms from my house and road transport, local trains are available to travel. I booked my upward ticket in 12998 Hapa-Ten SUP Exp. This runs from Hapa (Gujarat) to Tirunelveli (Tamilnadu). The train was scheduled to depart at 22:23 from Rajkot and I planned to catch the train by travelling in Veraval-Rajkot Intercity train from Veraval Junction at 17:45. I reached Veraval and inquired does the train reach Rajkot before Hapa-Ten SF Exp? In reply, I come to know that the Veraval-Rajkot Intercity reaches at destination around at 22:15 and chances to miss the next train if train gets late or signal problem! It was yet 16:30 on clock and I had 6 hours in spare, I changed my mind and rushed to ST bus station to catch an express bus for Rajkot! Generally, it takes 4 hours to reach Rajkot from Veraval. Fortunately, Una-Rajkot express bus was lasted by an hour and I got seat in it. Initially Bus speed was too slow and I was wondering how I will catch the train! But by the grace of God from Junagadh bus got speed and I reached Rajkot at 21:30 though bus had taken longer time than usual. I had a good company of Jaspal Solanki an 11th Science student in my Rajkot bus travelling, had words with him and chatted for long time. I had dinner at Dhaba and waited for train on Station at platform no. 3.
Train was little late by 10 minutes but journey time was not affected with it! I got into the train and slept well. What a train speed it was! Less stoppages, Fast speed in short a very good travelling. This train is suggested by me if you are travelling Mumbai from Rajkot or travelling Tamilnadu.
I had good time with Ankleshwar youth, had wonderful sessions and interactions. I thank all supporters who assisted and cooperated me for this trip! I back home by same night train. In between I enjoyed India Pakistan T20 WC match in Hotel. I stayed at Hotel Sha-Inn near to railway station Ankleshwar, at GIDC end. The hotel is good and very economical, Food quality is good and I liked their hospitality!
Thank U
