0103 Mandovi express is a train from Mumbai C.S.T. to Madgaon in Goa.The train runs on Konkan Railway sector.The train is named after Mandovi river in Panjim.
The train departs from Mumbai C.S.T. at about 7:00 am in the morning and reaches Madgaon at 6:50 in the evening.We boarded the train from C.S.T.For the first time in my journey with Railways I had seen such a clean compartment.The toiles were clean too and water was available in the wash basin throughout the journey.The engine driver and T.T.E. of the train wore light blue shirts with navy blue trousers.It was good to see the dress code being enforced on the Konkan Railway.
We were travelling by 3 tier, 2nd class.The seats were comfortable and clean.Instead of Indian Railways the logo of Konkan Railways was embossed on the seat cover.The catering staff of the train made frequent rounds of the compartments with cold drinks , batata wada , sandwitches, tea and coffee.
The best thing I liked about this train was the route.After Panvel station the train enters the Konkan region.Since the journey is made in daytime you get to see the wonderful natural beauty of Konkan.The fresh air, the greenery and other natural sights make the journey unforgettable.I still remember seeing a well decorated fisherman’s boat in the river below from where we were passing.
The train was delayed by about an hour.We should have reached Ratnagiri by 1 pm but we reached there at 2 pm.Some parts of Konkan Railway route are not well developed and this causes the delay.At Ratnagiri station do not miss eating the Vada pav.Another trouble with this route was that frequently the train enters tunnels which caused discomfort to me.Some tunnels run for well over 5 minutes.
The delay in noon was well covered up by the train.We reached Sindhudurg almost in time. Once you cross Sawantwadi station , the train enters into Goa.The train passes in between rocks on both the sides.The rocks have been cut to lay the tracks and one can see the various layers of different colours on the rocks.
Just before the train reaches Pernem, it passes by a lake.The sight of the lake surounded by lush greenery and with white birds flying over the lake with wings spread wide are a is for sore eyes.Pernem and Tivim stations are still not very well developed and it is hoped that in due course of time many more facilities shall be added for the passengers at these stations.
The journey in Mandovi Express is recommended if you wish to see the natural beauty of Konkan with your eyes.The demerit of this train is that it reaches Goa in the evening so by the time you get into your hotel and relax, there is nothing more to do for the day other than have dinner and sleep.Reservations for this train are hard to get during the vacations and Ganapati festivals.There have been accidents on Konkan railway during monsoon so think twice before using Konkan railway in monsoon.
All in all the journey by Mandovi Express to Goa is convinient and an experience to remember.