Interesting...the extent of the NG network around Hosur & Krishnagiri, I used to think Erode - Trichy was a converted line but looks like original BG. And it appears that Arantangi & Karaikuddi and Manamadurai & Virudunagar were not connected until much...

Interesting...the extent of the NG network around Hosur & Krishnagiri, I used to think Erode - Trichy was a converted line but looks like original BG. And it appears that Arantangi & Karaikuddi and Manamadurai & Virudunagar were not connected until much later!

The Shoranur Cochin MG line was constructed in 1902 by the Maharaja of Cochin with his own personal finances, even selling off his personal jewels. This was converted to BG sometime in 1934 - 35.

The Ernakulam - Quilon MG line was...

The Shoranur Cochin MG line was constructed in 1902 by the Maharaja of Cochin with his own personal finances, even selling off his personal jewels. This was converted to BG sometime in 1934 - 35.

The Ernakulam - Quilon MG line was sanctioned in 1952 by the Government of India as a reward to the people of Cochin for being the first princely state to join the Indian Union after independence. It was opened in 1956 upto Kottayam and 1958 upto Quilon, thus joining Trivandrum and Cochin for the first time by rail. It was converted to BG upto Quilon in 1975, and upto Trivandrum in 1976.

Trivandrum - Nagercoil - Kanniyakumari and Tirunelveli - Kanniyakumari were built as original BG lines and opened in 1979.

Ernakulam - Allepey BG line was opened in 1989 and extended to Kayankulam in 1992, thus offering a 2nd route (without reversal) for trains coming from Shoranur side towards Trivandrum.

Interesting one.....When was Trivandrum linked to Ernakulam and Kanniyakumari? Looks like most of south east side was MG?