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
Kundara... I have fond memories of this small town. I was born here. It is on these platforms my dad took me for my earliest railfanning trips. This is the first halt of our train too
The old Kundara station. Can you believe it - there are still porters around in the station, though the train service will last for only a few days more. What lies ahead for these porters once the service stops
A larger new station is being built here. The location of the station is being shifted a few metres. We found that most of the old stations will be abandoned once gauge conversion is over as newer larger stations are being built
Kundara had a surprise for her son! An MG freight waiting for us to cross! This is the first time in several years I am seeing an MG freight train. The cargo was some old sleepers pulled, maybe to facilitate gauge conversion. Loco is a "not so cl
The cargo of the two wagon freight train.
The entire freight train, complete with LV board on the caboose. Look how beautiful the MG caboose is compared to BG!
Gauge conversion is in full swing in some places while at others, it has not even started. We found so many square structures waylaid everywhere. Anyone knows what will be their use?
Here is a stretch where there is a drastic change in alignment for BG route. The MG rote circles around a hill while the BG route cuts across. The location is near Kundara
The new BG route rejoins after a good 4 kilometre. Our children maybe future Appu's pondering the old MG alignments! Look how many houses are demolished
Railnuts hang on to each and every free door of the coach. The simple joys of railfanning in the route will be gone forever within a few days
Another huge departure from present MG alignment near Kottarakkara
Approaching Kottarakkara. The Gauge conversion process of this bridge has not yet begun
Our next halt is Kottarakkara. Here too a passenger train is waiting for the King of Queen of routes to cross
YDM 4 6349 heads the Sengottai-Kollam Passenger. Another immaculate GOC loco. Look at the crowd waiting to enter our train
Interesting scenery as our train is being pulled up the small hillock. Look at the broad gauge bridge being built