The last train

19.09.2010 Sunday-the day starts disappointing our calculations to spent a holiday. We decided some days before to make that day joyful visit any interesting places nearby Trivandrum. So Vagamon, the hilly grassland at Idukki or the boarder of Kottayam comes to the list first. But, from the tourist information office, we get the fact that it is useless to visit Vagamon without a vehicle; because, most of the hot spots are away from the other. A new idea gets from there-make a journey from Punalur to Senkotai by train. The route is very scenic; moreover the meter gauge train is going to stop the service on 19th for change the track to broad gauge. No better option to spend the day than this

Unfortunately, Jagadeesh feels unhealthy as fever before the day, also, the last days rainy climate stepped back us from the journey. The plan almost dropped.

A report in the morning daily refresh the thoughts and the decision ‘must go, came within seconds. Jagadeesh was still tired, so I started with Saanish at, 9’O clock from Trivandrum. No trains from Trivandrum to Kollam at that time to catch the Kollam-Punalur passenger at 10.35. we tried with my bike, but reached just 10 minute late. So, starts the next stage by bus at 11’O clock. The Punalur KSRTC create a needle point situation-it is only 50-50 chance to reach the bus at Punalur before the Punalur-Senkotai passenger starts at 1pm. Luckily it reaches 15 minute before, because of the holiday’s low dense traffic.It is fully loaded-the four compartments, two guard rooms and also the engine. It was a celebration to the crowd-the last trips.
We stand near without getting a chance to enter in to-with the others having the same disappointment. Next train is at 3.45. The bell ranged, glowed the yellow light-train get the signals to startIt starts to move with a long horn. Suddenly the mob on the platform inspired and climbed on the top of the bogies and made sure their journey in the same train. We also became a part of the ‘historical’ journey of the last meter gauge train of Kerala. The risky but enjoyable different journey starts; without a ticket

People crowded on the sides and send regards to their meter gauge train’s last journey. First station was ‘Edamann’. Train stopped there some times to cross the Senkotai-Punalur passenger. The train arrives with crowd upon and sides. Some ladies also climbed on the bogie and express their pleasure by howling.


Train crawled to the next station ‘Otakal. The local people also joined in the journey ‘from these stations. When after the next two stations, ‘Thenmala’ and ‘Kazhuthuruti’, train became more crowded. After Thenmala the route is most beautiful with tunnels and bridges. More over in many we felt as flying. Tip of mountains, top of the trees and a ‘bird’s eye view’ brings us such a thought. Kollam-Thirumangalam highway (NH-208) is coming parallel to the rail from Thenmala. It is very near the track up to Aryankavu. At there it cross under the rail and is going separately. On the bridges and inside the tunnels, we many times admire the skill of the British Engineers. They built it many many years ago and still existing without any damages. ‘Kannara bridges’ are arch shaped bridges made by black stones. This route has many Kannaara bridges to level the deepness of the rail. Among these 13-Kannaara bridge is famous for its beauty. NH-208 is bordering the track here. The bridge has about 20ft height and the seen from here is eye catching-NH-208 is bordering by this Kannaara bridge one side and the other side a small stream.


After ‘Kazhuthuruti’ it is ‘Idapalayam’, then ‘Aryankavu’. Aryankavu ghat is a main slot to Tamilnadu. Near Araynkavu station a bridge is crossing over the rail. It is very near from the top of the bogies-just 1.5ft-while train passing under. So, the over climbed passenger lye on the top. Train crossed very slowly under it.

‘Bhagavathipuram’ is the last station before Senkotai. Though the other stations have a village look this has more. Green paddy fields on the valleys of big mountain, wind mill towers, more over the golden light of the downing sun makes here attractive.

After its two and half hours journey, train reached Senkotai at 3.30. Next train for return journey, from Senkotai to Punalur was ready to start. All of them hurried to get a place ‘on’ it. Return journey was also upon the train. It was the last trip from Senkotai to Punalur through the meter gauge. The crew and the railway staffs gave the train s sent off and start it its last journey.


The crowd on the sides gave sent off to their last meter gauge train with sweets and Payasam. Afetr receiving the warm regards it ends at Punalur at 6.30, with a long breath.

We returned from there expecting another beautiful journey through the same route in a broad gauge train. Will the cool scenes remain at that time? Can the engineers build it with an extreme skill? Only the God knows…………..

For more Photos visit the album: http://picasaweb.google.com/sreejithkadampuzha/TheLastTrain?authkey=Gv1sRgCK3K8tmy3cfUMg&feat=directlink