This train is locally popular as Amarsankat Exp instead of Amarkantak Exp as it is always late in the DN direction(Bhopal-Durg) and inspite of being superfast, it is always held back to allow the mighty 2409 Gondwana Exp(Raigarh-NZM),8030 HWH-Kurla(Shalimar-LTT) Exp and sometimes 5159 Chhapra-Durg Sarnath Exp to pass, all the above are dailies.
So finally I got another opportunity to test this local Superhero(Superfast) train which runs daily between Bhopal-Durg. I had missed a previous chance to travel by 2854 DN Amarkantak between Raipur-Durg as I choose not so fame 5159 Chhapra-Durg Sarnath Exp. This later proved to be a wise move as though both trains departed within the space of 10 min (07.30 & 07.40 that day) from Raipur, it SF(Superfast) trailed the Exp train(5159) for the entire 37 Km long stretch.
Coming to this occasion, I usually don't travel by this train and instead take either 2129 Pune-HWH Azad Hind Exp or 2101 Jnaneshwari Exp at day or 8029 Shalimar/HWH-LTT/Kurla Exp at evenings. But seeing the train unusually empty, couldn't resist the temptation. I was informed by one of my friends that S6 was marked for local(suburban) travel between Durg-Bilaspur and that later proved true as no TTE came to examine my ticket even though I had one.
The train departed dot at 18.20 from Durg and the WAM4 from Bhilai immediately took control as it was just a 15 coach affair. Within 10 min came the 1st stop, Bhilai Power House but not before we enjoyed a panormic view of the new Domino's at Bhilai, bustling with activity. After a 2 min halt, the train marched forward and the massive Bhilai Steel Plant(BSP) was exposed which shone like New York City at night. After all this excitement, the train stopped near the dark loco shed of Bhilai which now homes a few WAP4s & WAG7s/WAG9s along with a plenty of WAM4s.
It again started after a few minutes and never looked back though the halt meant that we reached Raipur at 19.07(+12 min).
I wished the train good-luck for the rest of the journey before heading through the station-exit amidst the massive sea of people !!!
