Disappearing train.....???

MKLF

Greetings India Mikers!

I fear that there has been an Alien Abduction and I have lost my marbles or Train no 6716 has disappeared into Cyberspace....

We are planning a trip in Oct & Nov on a fairly tight schedule, using the train (almost) exclusively because you have the abilty to pre-book over the internet from abroad on particular dates to fit into our plans,... marvelous technology, when it works

So, looked into getting from Madurai to Coimbatore area on overnight Train Number 6716 - Dept MDU 2250, Arr PTJ 0430, so that we can then catch the Mountain Railway to Ooty from Mettupalaiyam on 10th November.

I swear that the train was there only a few days ago on the Indian Railway site - ready to book with 60 day internet advance booking today...ummm.... no longer there ??!!??

I'm sure it wasn't my imagination as the train is still there on http://erail.in/ site (PODANUR EXP) and http://www.indiagroove.com (COIMBATORE EXP).

However, when you search the http://www.90di.com/ site, the train appears briefly and disappears.... . Neither http://www.indianrail.gov.in site recognises the train any longer.....


Oh ye India Mikers, Source of All Knowledge, any ideas as to what's going on (or has someone found my brain ??? ).

If the trip is no longer possible on the train, advice about alternative transport (except flying saucers) greatly appreciated. I understand that there are frequent bus trips of about 5 hours is avaiable from Madurai to Coimbatore - anyone with any experience with this ride ? There are 4 in the group so taxi hire may be an economic proposal - what would be a reasonable rate for this route ?

Many Thanks, Good People !!

steven_ber

The train no longer exists, the line (via Palani) has been closed for gauge conversion.

I can only find one way to do the journey overnight, and it's not a perfect option (though I'd do it myself).

Train 6731 departs Madurai daily at 19:45 and gets to Erode Jn at 00:05 (2A, 3A, SL.)

Erode is a very busy station at night, you should be perfectly safe.

Train 2671 (Nilgiri Express) departs Erode Jn daily at 02:35 and gets to Metupalaiyam at 06:15 (1A, 2A, 3A, FC, SL.)

In many ways it's a great option, the time between the 2 trains allows for any delay to your first train, and because you'll be getting the Nilgiri Express, you'll be taken all the way to Metupalaiyam.

If you choose this option, book both trains on the same reservation form, this way you'll get the fare as if you're doing a single journey, but be careful with the date of the second train.

Understanding Reservation Forms.

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Train information.

MKLF

WOW, WOW, WOW - we KNEW that there had to be a DEVINE-ALL-KNOWING-INDIAN-TRAIN-GOD !!!

I am very glad to find out that my second most favourite organ hasn't been lost but it obviously takes superior knowledge to figure out the Mysteries of Indian Railways.

We were resigned to Bus/Taxi out of Madurai but your near perfect alternative rail journey information has put us back "on track" ....Our cup runneth over, WE PRAISE THEE, MR S_B (super brain) !!!

Nick-H

Actually, although it is almost unbelievable, we have several such beings among the IndiaMike membership!!!!








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Just one member of the IndiaMike Mod Team

MKLF

WE BELIEVE, WE BELIEVE !!!!!!

As in India, where there are numerous GODS, IM has an INdeecent share of the DEVINE-ALL-KNOWING-INDIAN-TRAIN-GODs !!!

For the devoted, IM is THE Portal to the Alternative Universe that is Indian Raliways, with all it's mystical order and function disguised in the seeming infinite chaos.

Not just a mode of transport but THE BEST WAY and an experience in itself to see India.

But evidently, it takes dedicated knowledge and experience to know the fine details and so we, the Unworthy, must consult the GreatOracle@IM, to receive the crumbs of wisdom from the TRAIN-GODs from time to time .

Nick-H

I say, old boy... Steady on!








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