does anyone know how long before departure that you can board the train?
i will get to vt at roughly 2 am, the mandovi express leaves at 7am. i know it sits in the station overnight and was wondering if i'd be able to get on and have a snooze.

Hi ...
If you are travelling by 2nd AC Sleeper or higher class than there is a seperate waiting room facility at VT Jnc. which is on the top floor located near the main entrance... the room is quite spacious with comfortable seats, A/c, TV, Wash / Shower rooms... u can really relax & a gud snooze.

Avoid the waiting room which is for general / normal sleeper class ... itz on the ground floor and juz on the exit from the platforms ... usually very crowded and not so clean.

The Onward trains are usually brought to the departing platform maybe 1 hour prior to departure & U probably wont get to board / sleep in the train unless it is parked on the departing platform.

Hope the above helps.. wish u a safe journey & have fun!

Rgds,
Sam K

thanks sam i'll check that out...do you know if there is a secure place i can leave my suitcase cos i want to be able to pop outside for a ciggie and don't want to be hassled by porters and taxi drivers?