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
Aah..these structures again! These are near the Chintamani station and are designed to prevent the overhead electric wires from falling on the tracks. (Santosh Kulkarni)
One of those old structures which is still in a good condition - this is a quarters for the railway employees at Chintamani. (Santosh Kulkarni)
Some old NG tracks lie around in Chintamani. Other than these, we did not find a trace of erstwhile NG remnants anywhere. (Santosh Kulkarni)
The old and the new Chintamani station buildings. Needless to say which looks better. (Shishir Jairam)
The elevated BG allignment near Chintamani with sleepers piled up. (Pawan Koppa)
A closer look at the revamped NG station housing the worker quarters and the newer BG building. Needless to say which one looks more elegant. (Pawan Koppa)
A view of the Chintamani station area. The sole platform is on the left while the mainline and loops would be on the open area to the right. (Pawan Koppa)
One more angle of the NG station building at Chintamani. (Pawan Koppa)
Here it is..the new two storied BG station building at Chintamani. By far the biggest building and station area for the whole of this line. (Pawan Koppa)
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)