Train tickets cancelled due to the Coronavirus scare by many across India -
Since I am from Bangalore and that we Bangaloreans, have seen some very disturbing news about the Coronavirus in the last few days I am posting this.
I deal with kids on a daily basis, as I run classes in a certain skill and that now the Karnataka Government has declared holidays for schools kids from pre-schooling to Grade / Std 5th, most parents are in a big fix.
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And there are strong and confirmed messages in the social media about self isolation to ensure one or one's family is not exposed to this dreaded nCov
And the most disturbing fact is that parents are finding it hard to the sudden changes - of the early holidays declared - this may soon happen across India.

So, its going to be a very Tough job parenting due to early holidays for school kids across India nCoV2019 No summercamp? No events? No Birthday parties or gatherings - all because of the fear of getting contracted with the Coronavirus.
Since this situation is going to be really tough for all parents, here is the Remedy: click here
#PArentingTips #coronavirusindia #COVID19Bangalore #COVID19india #OnlineCourses

With the inauguration of Tr. No. 16595 from 8th March 2020, I read widely across media that its good news to travelers from Bangalore to Goa. Though the train board has YPR - KAWR - VSG mentioned on it. I guess there is no direct ticket / adv resv available online on irctc website from YPR to MAO. Though I found out from NTES website that the YPR - KAWR reached around 90 mins late to KAWR today and the onward train from KAWR to VSG departed KAWR only after the YPR - KAWR reached KAWR. Therefore, I have a few questions - if anyone can help -
a) If the rakes are same, can we buy journey extension tkts on...
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board from KAWR to MAO / VSG
b) Does the same train go further up to VSG or does one have to change train
c) Why is ticket not issued directly from YPR to MAO / VSG
d) Is e-catering available on board?
e) Since its a daily train a Pantry car could have been a boon to passengers both ways.

Madgaon is one of the most important stations on the Konkan Railway route. I visited this station a couple of times in October 2019 and listing some tips below:
1. Connectivity: Madgaon precisely lies in South Goa and is very well connected to other regions in Goa. Below are some of the means of transport from Madgaon station to other destinations:
a. Bus: Madgaon railway station has a small bus stand located about 200 mts from the railway station platform no 1. The main bus stand is about 3 kms away from...
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the station and buses to almost every destination would be available from the main stand. You may take a bus from the railway station bus stop and alight at the main bus stand or take an auto rickshaw to the main bus stand. Do make sure that you bargain atleast 20% of the quoted fare if traveling by an auto.
b. App based taxis: Goa miles is the app based air-conditioned cab service provided by Goa tourism. Goa miles is one of the best developments in Goa and it was really the need of the hour. They have started accepting online payments and also allow advanced booking for a future travel. We booked a cab through Goa miles from Madgaon station to Agonda and the fare was 1000 INR for a sedan. Private cab operators charge about 1800 for the same distance. In return, we took a cab from Benaulim to Madgaon station and the fare was 180 INR. Avoid prepaid taxis at the railway station too as the fares set by the govt are insanely high.
c. Bike pilots: Multiple bike pilots were available at Madgaon station during our visit. If you are an individual traveling alone, then it is the best option to hire a bike pilot. They are available near the station circle itself.
d. Bike/Car rentals: There would be operators at the railway station who offer bike/cars on rent. These should be self driven and the rates vary according to season. A scooty in good condition should cost around 300-400. You get a good bargain if you hire for a longer period. Do take a video of the scooty before accepting it as an evidence so that you won't be liable for the damages not done by you. Pro Tip: The operators near the beaches offer a better bargain than the ones at the Railway Station.
e. Local Train connectivity: Madgaon station has fair bit of connectivity through local trains. You may take the local and passenger trains to get to your destinations at low costs.
Pernem-Karwar-Pernem DEMU, Madgaon-Mangaluru - Madgaon passenger, Vasco - Kulem - Vasco passenger services are some examples.
2. Amenities at the station: Madgaon railway station has 4 platforms with an escalator on Platform 1. There is a single overbridge connecting all the platforms. If your train has arrival/departure from Platform 1, you don't have to climb the bridge. On platform no 2, you have a ramp on one side of the bridge to easily pull wheel based trolleys.
a. Benches: There are ample benches to rest at Madgaon.
b. Waiting rooms: General waiting room and a ladies only waiting room is available at Platform no 1.
c. Special AC Lounge: A separate paid AC lounge is available on Platform 1.
d. Retiring Rooms: There are plush recently renovated retiring rooms available at the first floor on Platform 1. These renovated retiring rooms equipped with wooden flooring are better than some of the 3 star hotels. I stayed at at an air-conditioned room with a double for 9 hrs and the fare was around 1100 INR incl of GST for two passengers.
e. Water: Purified RO water vending machine is available on Platform no 1 towards Udupi end after Benjoes restaurant. If you have your own bottle, you may refil it at a cost as low as 5 INR for a litre. Use this service instead of buying mineral water bottles.
f. Food: Benjoes Restaurant: The Benjoes rail restaurant serves satisfactory food if not great. We had jeera rice, idli, paratha and all tasted just fine. Had higher expectations after hearing so much about it.
Dominos: Dominos pizza outlet is available at Platform 1 towards Udupi end.
Amul outlet: Amul outlet is present on Platform 1 near Dominos.
Margao Central: This is a rail themed air-conditioned restaurant, not at Madgaon railway station but located about 1.5 kms away at Rawanfond circle. They have renovated an abandoned coach into a restaurant and the ambience is great. We liked the experience at Margao Central. The best way to reach Margao central is by walk.
Other alternatives: Food delivery aggregators like Zomato and Swiggy deliver at Madgaon station and you may give it a try.
3. Cleanliness: Being a major station on the section, it is very clean.
4. Railfanning: It is a great station for railfanning. Almost every passenger train has a halt at Madgaon station and the halt is usually a longer one. The Ro-Ro's(Roll On Roll Off) plying on konkan railway are added attractions.
5. Nearby attractions:
Benaulim Beach: Benaulim is the nearest beach to Madgaon. Very clean beach completely filled with shacks in the season. You may spot Starfish or Blue button fishes here.
Colva: Colva is another famous beach closer to Madgaon.
Dudhsagar Falls: If you are planning to visit the dudhsagar falls, come to Madgaon station and take one of the below means:
A. Take the Vasco Da Gama - Belagavi Passenger Special and reach DDS directly. Please note this is a special train and may not be a permanent one.
B. Board the Vasco Kulem passenger and deboard at Kulem. From Kulem, jeaps would be available for Dudhsagar falls which would drop you at a distance of about 1Km from the falls and you have to trek from here. Kindly note that the jeeps would not be operational in the monsson. Dudhsagar falls is not at all recommended for people who can't walk or trek. If you don't want to trek, you may view the falls from the train itself. For this, you need to take a train from Madgaon going towards Londa Jn.
Have a safe trip.
Pic 1: Special Lounge Rate Card October 2019
Pic 2: Plush Railway Retiring Room
Pic 3: Margao Central Restaurant
Pic 4: Benjoes Rail Restaurant
Pic 5: Menu at Benjoes
Pic 6: Dominos Outlet at Platform #1
Pic 7: Amul outlet at Platform #1