Exploration of Chikballapur-Sidlaghatta-Chintamani line
IRFCAins Pawan Koppa, Shishir Jairam and Santosh Kulkarni had been on a trip to the Chikballapur-Sidlaghatta-Chintamani-Kolar line upto Chintamani to cover the gauge conversion of this historic line from NG to BG. This was a NG line which was decommissioned in the 80s. Only a few years back, the railways had sanctioned conversion of this line and progress had been going on at a snail's pace until the last couple of years, when MoS Muniyappa took personal interest in this line which touches his home constituency, Kolar. Priority is being given to this project and the conversion is progressing at a furious pace. We showcase this never-seen and never-covered-before section to IRFCA. Comments welcome!
Here is the Trip Report
The new ticket counters at Chintamani. (Pawan Koppa)
A view of the platform shelter and platform area at Chintamani. The NG station building can be seen at the right at a lower level. (Pawan Koppa)
Another look at Chintamani's new platform and its surroundings. (Pawan Koppa)
One more view of Chintamani's new platform and its surroundings. (Pawan Koppa)
A ramp which leads right upto the platform level. (Pawan Koppa)
For now, the tractors are the kings of this bumpy allignment at Chintamani. Very soon, the bigger beasts will rumble through! Make way!! (Pawan Koppa)
Tractors, two wheelers and cyclists make the most of the newly laid "road"! (Pawan Koppa)
Recent comments
Nice coverage of an interesting spot!
Posted by Trayambak Ojha on 2011 Apr 20 12:20:29 +0000
A fascinating example of old and new gauges side by side. This is rarely seen on IR as the old station buildings soon vanish. A few abandoned stations in ruins can be seen between Villipuram and Puducherry.
Posted by Ajai Banerji on 2011 Apr 18 07:07:35 +0000
The three musketeers from BLR have done a wonderful rail fanning trip to a territory which must have seen the lovely small NG locos and trains in the past and which will see the BG beasts and trains soon. Thanks for sharing the photos and the trip report.
Posted by S. Srinivas on 2011 Apr 13 10:15:44 +0000