The last trip on the Kollam-Sengottai line
The historic Metre gauge line from Kollam (Quilon) Junction to Sengottai (Schencottah) became extinct on 2007-04-30, after an illustrious life of 103 years. The section between Kollam Jn and Punalur is to be converted to Broad Gauge. No final verdict has come on the Punalur-Sengottai stretch, which is trying for a World Heritage Railway status. The scenery along this line is so enchanting it is often referred to as "Queen of Indian Metre Gauge lines". This is indeed the last fully documented trip on this unique line.
Please refer this report on history of this line
We are finally at Aryankavu. Sriram hurries to ask the pilot for a footplate, and the pilot agreed!
Another viaduct. We are bidding goodbye to Kerala. The border is in between a tunnel just after this point
The mountains are over as we enter Tamilnadu
Bye bye mountains. Thanks a lot for the scenery!
The Sengottai station from outside. Lots of people were coming to board the train to Kollam. The train was delayed by an hour. This meant that we had much time to explore the station
Heavy work going on to lay broad gauge lines. looking towards tenkasi
Looking towards Kollam. 3 platforms coming up for Broad Gauge. 2 new ones for metre gauge. These platforms where BG is being laid was once MG
Sengottai (once Schencottah) reflects its new role as a Broad gauge Terminus and will soon have a direct train to Chennai after a gap of 7 years.
Different types of rail possibilities being tried out to suit the Sengottai-Tenkasi BG/MG dual route
Prof. venugopal and Sriram explore the steam crane Anjaneya
Another look at Anjaneya. It's boiler and it's parts. We dis not find all the other relief wagons that usually accompany a crane with Anjaneya
Yet another look at the Travelling Steam crane Anjaneya
The coach care facility at Sengottai
Waiting for the "Hand Signal to proceed"? Or waiting for your master to return home? This dog must have never seen a broad gauge coach. Will he get unruly when he sees one shortly?
Madurai DRM's inspection car.
A Wheel Park? Look at the plinthed NF goods wagon. It is being used as a store! Smart eh?
A bigger store. This time it is an old SR parcel van. I am seeing a place with so many bizarre stores for the first time
Another steam crane. This one is Mangala. It is a part of the official "Break down special" of Sengottai
Another view of mangala, complete with coal bunker, water tank and accessories
So many goods wagons too are being repaired at Sengottai. We found that there are still goods services in the sector carrying rice and hill produce
An interesting description on damage to this goods wagon. Everything except wheel set is either corroded or given up. Yet it is going to be repaired
"Beats of Art - Sengottai". Sengottai's own rock band?
A complete view of coaching yard at Sengottai. Quite a busy place, eh?
Another surprise!! The new Diesel Loco Shed at Sengottai. Home to 12 YDM 4's
A peep inside the shed. YDM 4's 6545 and 6168 gets attended to. The pit lanes are suitable for WDM 2's too
Prof. Venugopal wants a new job? We have a seamless exploration of the shed, clicking pics and getting inside locos with no one prohibiting us
The view from behind the loco shed
Recent comments
Excellent album guys. Thanks a lot for the treat!!
Posted by Siddhartha Ganesh on 2007 May 11 17:48:53 +0000
Excellent photos Jimmy...I regret not being able to come!
Posted by Sriram P on 2007 May 08 03:32:03 +0000