Indian Railways: A Morning Saga

The huge machine came hurtling down and my thumb automatically went for the button. The camera went click, click, click and suddenly I saw this huge machine just 5m from where I stood. A man came out, waved at me, smiled - and and all I saw in his eyes was respect for the fact that someone was taking his picture.

Yes! I am talking about the men in their magnificent machines - the so called locomotive pilots who never get applauded for their commendable efforts. For example: The Tamil Nadu EXP running from New Delhi to Chennai Central takes 33 hrs and is driven by a single Erode locomotive (WAP4) over a distance of 2000km. The loco pilot is the man who ensures that not only do you get to reach your destination on time but you get to have a smooth journey as well. When everyone is busy snoring away to the rhythm of the train, he is in his cockpit ensuring that you wake up to a beautiful day and reach your destination. I strongly feel that these men deserve an applaud!!!

Maybe, someday in the near future, I will get my opportunity to travel with the locomotive pilot but for now I am taking pictures of the magnificent machines and the men who drive them.

You can check some of my recent escapades at:
My Picassa Album
My Flickr Album