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
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
The line to Kollam departs Sengottai in truly magical fashion
Entire Sengottai station, View from Kollam side. We will soon see a WDP 3A on the right side on Pf. No. 1 with Pothigai Exp
A beautiful rock behind the diesel shed
Ahhh, some maroon MG coaches waiting to be serviced. Hope they don't paint them blue
Surprise again... A composite 1A/2A coach. We were wonderstruck to see this coach. It is here to be refurbished and a part of planned heritage runs on the Sengottai-Punalur sector. So, lovers of MG A/C coaches, you have a new life!
Is this the way you would like to see the king of kings of MG coaches?
Our return train to Kollam finally turns up one and a half hour late due to rains. Yet another beautifully painted GOC loco 6186 heading us
The starter has turned amber and we depart back to Kollam. The mountains look menacing in front of the YDM 4
The last station in Tamilnadu before we cross to kerala is Bhagavathipuram, set amidst stunning scenery
One last look at the MG queen as e stop at Tenmalai. This is the last photo of the day. My batteries ran out, and so did the light
Jimmy busy taking pic of the beast
Sriram Balachander came to Kollam from Thiruvananthapuram in the CAPE-CSTM Exp, hauled by the strange loco 17519 (Sriram B)