"The Kollam-Sengottai Metre gauge line was conceived and implemented by Great Maharajah Balarama Varma I (Uthradam Tirunal) of Travancore. The inaugural run was on 1 July 1904, with a 21 gun salute. Station Master Ramiah waved the green flag as multitudes of frightened inquisitive crowd gathered around the demon in front of them, to have a close look."
- What history says
This route is a real treat to the eyes with it's enchanting beauty. The rail line passes through many hills and waterbodies, curves and slopes in forest area of the Thenmala region.
The 13 arched bridge near Thenmala is a very beautiful landmark for the passengers as well as the roadies.
Thenmala has now been placed on the Tourism map in Kerala. Thenmala Dam, The Ambanad Hills, The Palaruvi Waterfalls are some of the tourist destinations here. Forest trekking, Adventure Tourism are some of the major activities here. Under proper governance the State could have made this route competent with the Neelgiri metre guage train service in Ooty, thus attracting many of the national and international tourists here.
The 13-arched overbridge near Thenmala
The British had started work on the Kollam-Sengottai metre gauge railway line in 1890 and completed it in 1901. The regular train service started in 1904. These metre guage trains were integral parts of human life in the area.
The "Pathimoonnu kannara palam" or 13-arched bridge is a very beautiful sight. The bridge was constructed during the British regime using Surki construction(a period when cement was not in use). The bridge with its 13 arches still holds one of Indias oldest mountain rails which once used to be the main trade route between Quilon(Kollam)and Chennai(Madras).The Rail ride itself is a pleasant experience as the trains passes through dense forests,long tunnels and steeps and slopes“Looking outside the train window one could see the paddy fields, jungles, waterfalls etc."
The metre gauge train engines climbs the steep inclines and negotiate the sharp curves of this mountain route. A journey through this line has now become wonderful memories and memoirs of thrilling experiences and sight seeing.
Pathimoonnu Kannara Palam (13 Arch Bridge) at Kazhuthurutti
The bridge has 13 arches. Built on 13 arches, this bridge is a commemoration of colonial era. The bridge, sandwiched by the Kollam-Shenkottai National Highway at one side and the River Kazhuthurutti on the other, offers a visual fete at a length of 102.72 metres and 5.18 metres height. Even after 100 years of its construction, the bridge shows no signs of deterioration.
Its a monument of the British Engineering Technology. The route was built mainly for the transporation of crops like Pepper and other spices to Madras from Kollam. The route is now closed down for guage conversion(from metre guage to broad guage). The whole line has to be reconstructed.
For this Photostream:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/39013097@N06/sets/72157627059529708/
2 comments:
Nice post. Thanks for sharing all this with us. It really is an amazing railway route. I have been there a couple of times and I really enjoyed it. Here are a few more places to visit Kollam
Wonderful post about this place. Thanks for sharing this wonderful post in this blog. Loved reading this blog. Pictures were awesome with well written. Planning for your trip? then book your bus tickets in advance in Bus Ticket Booking Portal.
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