Visiting Acharapakkam

Just before the Crazy Mohan drama began at Kalaivanar Arangam.

My cousins have come for the weekend and all my routine works/plans were cancelled. I wanted to enjoy this weekend very well with them. We went for a cinema called Saroja. Not the best in my opinion, but the cinema got very interesting after those guys started in the car remembering “Karakattakaran” era. The whole world would be shocked when it hears that I am going to a cinema theater. Such things don’t happen often in my life, as I am not into the usual lazy way of living life. You don’t like my principles? Don’t worry, I have got some more! LOL.

Then I visited Kalaivanar Arangam to see the drama “Chocolate Krishna”. Amazing! But the drama had more moral values, thoughts and thanks to Crazy Mohan the traditional values of Indian society are still being maintained. The ticket to this drama cost Rs.200, however for the film it was only Rs.50. Myself and my cousin planned for a trip to a Shiva temple near Acharapakkam, the next day. It was a trip planned by the elders at home. This trip was different as it was entirely involving bus (as it turned out to be later on). However, as luck would have it, I managed to get a good photo of a train. I was planning to take the early morning Pondicherry Passenger at Egmore, but we erased such ideas.


GOC WDM-2#16882 with TPTY-PDY Passenger just moving out of Acharapakkam. I heard the honk while I was inside the temple. I just walked past the temple tank, bushes to reach the tracks. Seeing me near the tracks, the driver got worried and pressed the honk twice or thrice. He would have thought otherwise, thinking that I am going to commit .....



Jaikarthik and myself started in a Mandaiveli-Chengalpet bus and got down at Tambaram. Then from Tambaram to Acharapakkam we boarded a red colored Tiruvannamalai bus. My cousin went for a long nap and got up only at Karunguzhi. I was also enjoying the bus ride as I have lost interest in sub-urban train travels as I have done it loads of time. The friendly conductor reminded us and we got down at Acharapakkam. We started walking towards the temple. It was slightly far, but yet walkable. I was surprised to find that it was very very near to Railway lines. My cousin went to buy oil lamps, while I started taking photos of the temple from outside. At that time, I heard a honk. I was without chappals infact, but I didn’t mind. I hurried towards the railway line. It was a single line section with BG and MG tracks, but MG tracks in the process of being removed. GOC WDM-2#16882 was coming with Tirupati-Pondicherry Passenger. The driver seeing me near the tracks was slightly shocked. I took a photo with my camera mobile. The train passed me with a gentle breeze.



The temple was clean.


I hurried back to the temple to find my cousin brother worried of my sudden disappearance. He has just purchased the lamps and was setting them right. I went around the temple. It was an exciting scenario, I should say. Silence everywhere. Long erected compound walls, statues of Nandhi (Shiva’s vehicle mount), bushes here and there, oily walls. Fantastic. I could see some coconut trees at the backyard. I took a few snaps of the Gopuram, the well and a few sculptures, but taking care not to shoot the idols as it is strictly prohibited by law.


Aum Namah Shivaya.

I went inside the temple. It had two moolavars. I saw both the moolavars and then returned back. I went around seeing many idols. There was a separate shrine for Lord Vishnu and Goddess Alamelu Mangai Thayer. It was a very nice experience. Then Jaikarthik and myself lit 21 and 22 lamps respectively each depicting our age. We visited the nearby sannidhi for Amman. As usual, amman was posing majestically. After getting Her blessings, we came out of the temple. I saw a cute baby girl speaking good English and directing us to the nearby hotel. We stopped at a small shop or potti kadai. We had Paneer Soda. I thought of having a small Halwa, but my cousin instructed that it might not be hygienic.



The other side of the temple.


My cousin brother poses with Vazhai Pazham and Murukku packets in the G.S.T road.



L-R sitting: Vinayagar, Lord Shiva, Mother Parvathi( also sister of Lord Vishnu) and Murugan.


Entrance to the temple.


Gopuram of the temple.


The temple was near the railway lines! Awesome.

We walked to the nearby hotel. I ordered for idli while my cousin ordered for full meals. Idli wasn’t that great, so I also ordered for meals (I don’t take rice outside that often). Generally, my intake of rice is very less and I always leave quite some rice without eating. But this time, I had it to my content. We boarded a bus to Madurantakam. Then from Madurantakam we boarded a bus till Chengalpet. From Chengalpet we boarded a bus upto Guindy. We thought of boarding the EMU, but just as we got down we got a comfortable bus, so we boarded it. My cousin brother got tired after traveling in Madurantakam-Chengalpet bus, which badly damaged his backbone. From Guindy, we boarded 21G upto Anna University. By now the rain was lashing heavily. We boarded 47A and got down at Gandhinagar. Immediately, we rushed into Krishna Sweets. We decided to have chat items till the rain stopped. I had Alu Poori while my cousin had Chenna Masala. The climate was fantastic. The rain didn’t stop, so we managed to sneak through and reached my house roughly 100 meters away. My dog Damien was waiting for me eagerly in the shed.

Trip Expense: Rs.179

-Krishna Kumar.S

Kavaraipettai Revisited

The station board. Observe the climate in background. Ideal for train-spotting.

September 20th, 2008.

It was a cloudy day. It had rained yesterday so there was a bit of moisture in the air. I decided to take an EMU along the GPD line. Kavaraipettai is my favourite station and I visit it often to study, to revise or to relax mostly during weekends. That's also the place where I write something useful. I like serene and peaceful environments like that.

I took the MRTS to reach Chennai Central. At Chennai Central, I boarded a Sullurpeta EMU in the noon. It wasn't crowded much. It took 30 minutes for the train to start after I boarded. I knew it would get crowded soon as the train crossed GPD. It was a boring wait. I observed that a eunuch was begging the passengers for money. I felt sorry for her. Especially after hearing the comments passed by a group of men sitting next to me. Sometimes, God punishes people harshly. Though I believe that He exists, He fails to help the good people and also those with good intentions. After all, what was the gift to Mahatma Gandhi? A bullet. Indira Gandhi made India a Nuclear Power. She was also gifted a bullet. Sometime there are people in this world who attain pleasure by taking a dig at others. How many events does an Indian Railway EMU see everyday? Be it Express or Passenger or goods. Sorrow, happiness, grattitude, fun. Trains see a lot!


Sepia mode. I wanted to try something eccentric!

As my train crossed Basin Bridge, I started observing the locos. I am not a fan of road numbers and train numbers. But sometimes I do note them. I sent an SMS to Chennai Gang about my spottings(this is done by almost all members at MAS) My spottings at Basin Bridge shed on that day were 22712, 22001, 20549, 21229, 20632, 22729, 22274, 21300, 22224, 22659 and many more. As the EMU chugged along, I started taking notes and started observing the scenery.

For sometime, I decided to forget a few things. Data Structures, Electronics, PSK, FSK, FM, AM, C, Java,.NET,CCNA,CCNP, Circuits, Axioms and Theorems. I came out of the nutshell. There were lot of things to be observed. I had the time. I didn't want to miss it. I turned around and glanced at people. There were people who were going on some business/office related works or to some marriage or even returning from shifts. School girls/boys returning home as it was half day I believe. There were few people sitting in the floor. I personally avoided First Class-as I don't think there is any joy in travelling in that.

There was a small girl sitting next to me. She was observing what I was doing with my notebooks. I had scribbled WAM-4, WAP-4 and lots of numbers! I guess she couldn't understand. As I noted down the loco numbers, she couldn't understand, she felt confused. As she looked, I started drawing a tree. She got amused and laughed. Kuzhandhai(means babe in Tamil)!

Maybe that’s the reason I am close with Railways and locomotives. The engines know my life more than anyone else in this world. They have been with me during my tougher times and happy moments and I LIVE EVERY DREAM!

My train(EMU) moved along the suburbs. I was familiar with most of the station names but not in order. The train had a brief halt before Tiruvottiyur outer. After a minute, it got clearance and entered into Tiruvottiyur. At that time SCR LGD WAP-4#22625 came with Pinakini Express. It was doing only 30kmph. I noticed that it was a CBC rake. At Ennore, a Goods train passed us towards MAS. Just before Athipattu Pudhunagar, WAG-5#23765 Asansol passed with a wagon rake towards MAS. It was doing MPS! Nice speed and nice track sounds. Kavaraipettai came after an hour of travel and I got down. I decided to wait at the station for sometime at least till Pinakini Express crossed the station. It would take more than one hour. I sat down under a tree listening to my Backstreet Boys collection. I was enjoying the scenario. I am not a great fan of Western culture, but still listening to Western music in a desolate station gives a thrill. Just imagine!


A lizard and an MAS bound EMU in background.


Minutes passed by. EMU’s came and went but not that frequent as you find in TBM or AVD section. It might be funny for a professional to spend time like these, but I prefer to be like this. In India young children are given food by showing the moon and making them eat food. In my case, I saw the moon too. But there was something else in addition. My parents showed me the locomotives too. Indian Railways is an synecdoche to my successes and happiness in life.

The weather was amazing. It was cloudy but wasn’t raining. Truly amazing. Trees were swaying! The breeze hit my face hard. I was humming one of my favourite MJ's song in my mobile. As Michael Jackson performed THAT famous anti-gravity lean in my mobile(I was watching the video), I noticed that the starter towards GPD turned yellow and then green. I got ready! Pinakini was on the way! In the far distance, I could see the face of WAP-4.

The road number was 22516. As it neared the station, the Loco Pilots started honking. As they passed me, I guess they would have realized me as a rail fan. The photo came out well in my opinion at least as per camera mobile standards. Moreover it was cloudy.


WAP-4#22516 with Pinakini Express blasting at 80kmph.

I walked along the tracks. I saw a few people gathered. Later I realized that a snake was lying injured. I suspected that Pinakini Express must have done it!


WAG-7#27391 with a BCNA rake crossing the station at around 60kmph.

I went inside the village and went to a small shop. I ordered for a drink. I asked,"Miranda". The shopkeeper said," What?". Oh, I used the wrong word. "Sir, do you have color?". Now he understood and gave me Miranda. Then I purchased orange colored candies for 0.25paise each. Pleasant memories of childhood. I had them when I was a kid. I walked back to my platform and sat with my tree. It has become 'my tree'. Since my school days whenever I visit this station Kavaraipettai, I use to sit under this tree. I had orange candies and observed the scenario. WAG-5's and WAG-7's hauled BCNA rake towards BZA.


I feel that Indian Railways is the only iconic symbol, which represents traditional India even today. The locals in the town must have been surprised to see me. Maybe my getup(dress code)! Formals, backpack. I walked along and spent sometime at the level crossing and sat on a trolley.


WAP-4#22756 with Navjeevan Express, Kavaraipettai.



Quiet and peaceful atmosphere.

I thought I had time to visit the other side of the village. I looked at my watch. I hoped Navjeevan would be a little late. It reaches MAS at 1605hrs. I calculated that it would cross KVP by 1505hrs. I had roughly 10 minutes. I decided to cross the LC and explore the other part of the town/village. I walked in lonely mud roads and took some photographs of fields. It didn't come out well. Then I returned back in time and sat at my favourite place to catch Navjeevan in action. Navjeevan Express came with a WAP-4#22756. It was doing 60kmph. At the same time, WAG-7#27391 came with BCNA rake towards BZA.

I decided to return in the next EMU, erasing my previous plans of watching Coromandel Express in action. I boarded the next EMU towards MAS. As I was returning back near Ponneri, WAP-4 crossed me with Sangamitra Express to Patna. I thought that I should have waited for some more time at KVP to see more action. Near Minjur, 23151+23227 Vijaywada WAG-5 hauled a goods train. I saw 23479+23438 with a goods rake at Korukkupet. Near Basin Bridge, I saw 22595 with Hyderabad Express. Just before entering into MAS, my EMU had a halt of 2 minutes. I had a Miranda at Central and walked towards Park Town. Since I had bought the return ticket from Kasturibai Nagar itself, it wasn’t a problem so I boarded the EMU directly. I calculated that it was Rs.13 from Kasturibai Nagar to Kavaraipettai via Chennai Central. Just before my EMU came, 7651 MS-KCG Express crossed Park Town with WAM-4#20549. I reached home by 18:00hrs. People at home were surprised. They expected me at 19:00hrs thinking that I would wait to see Coromandel Express.

Overall, it was a refreshing day.

Total Expenses: Rs.45 for 6 hours of fun.

-Krishna Kumar. S

Madurantakam Revisited [Nostalgic mood]

First pic of the day: WDP-3A#15533 hauling 2662 Podhigai Express, near Guindy. Sorry for the blur.

This was an interesting trip and a content one. I don't know what I am desiring for in life, but it's not money or luxury. I am in search of something which I myself don't know, but I believe that I found that in Madurantakam. Madurantakam is a small town with a small railway station on the Chengalpet-Villupuram section. It is located 85km away from Chennai. The station before Madurantakam is Karunguzhi and the next station is Pakkam. Madurantakam is also an important station and expresses like 6123/6124 Anantapuri Express and 2693/2694 Pearl City Express have got a halt in both directions. All fast passengers, passengers halt at Madurantakam. Surprisingly, Madurantakam hasn't got a loop and it may get a loop line after two years. However, less important stations like Ottivakkam, Karunguzhi, Tozhuppedu, Olakur have loop lines.


Ottivakkam Railway station. A small station just after Chengalpet.

My life suddenly became busy in Sept-2009, but I wanted to visit Madurantakam again. One way or another I always find time. Madurantakam had everything in my opinion. Humans, animals, shops, mosques, churches, temples, railway stations along with goats, hens, pups, dogs, cats and cows. This was my second visit to Madurantakam. At that time, I never knew that Madurantakam would become my favourite place. The place is not that modern, but yet it has got my countrymen and I am at my will to visit any place in my motherland.

I got up around 5AM and as usual the same 103SR story. I reached Saidapet by bus and boarded a local to Guindy. You might wonder why always I reach Saidapet and then Guindy, rather than reaching Guindy directly in bus? Many reasons. One of the reasons is that I like Saidapet station very much and the other fact is buses to SP are more freqeunt from Adyar. Buses towards Guindy are slightly less.

My train 103SR came with WAP-1#22016 at 0652hrs. The engine was in a poor shape. It lacked paints and it was a bit rusty. But I still admired it. Exterior appearances are immaterial. What matters is the soul. The run was good with decent speed. The train rushed through the sub-urbs. I stood at the door.

WDP-3A#15534 pulled into Tambaram with 2694 Pearl City Express as my train 103SR entered into Tambaram. This train is very special to me. During my travels in early 1990's in Pearl City Express, one AIADMK MLA Prabhakaran was also travelling with me at that time. I was a kid at that time. He was quite impressed with me. Don't know why? While interacting with me, he put his shawl over me, before he got down at some place named Kovilpatti. The shawl is still kept safely in my bureau. I was travelling with my parents in First Class. I faintly remember those incidents. However, when there is a mention of 2693 Pearl City at my home, this incident is quite famous.


Ottivakkam Level crossing.

After Tambaram, I was standing at the door and I would stand all the way till Madurantakam. I saw Sethu Express near Potheri with 17803(I think). I saw AJJ WAP-1#22008 with Villupuram-Tambaram passenger near Kattangulathur. The climate near Chengalpet was awesome. My train started from Chengalpet a bit late. I sat at the doors. This train had a good patronage. It was crowded but the doors were empty and I was certainly enjoying. My train did good speeds, negotiating curves. The old meter gauge track accompanied me all the way. My train stopped at Padalam. I could see MG tanker rake stationed there. Infact, I saw that through Google-Earth too. It's been there for a long time, infact for more than a year.

My train halted at Karunguzhi for more than 15 minutes for a crossing. I didn't know what train would be coming. It wasn't a overtake, but a crossing. I thought that it could be a Sampark Kranti. But it was actually a train from Nagercoil. GOC WDM-2#16881 came with Nagercoil-Egmore Express. There was a tired traveller behind me. He was so furious being delayed that he couldn't help himself from cursing the Railways. As the train crossed us, he said, "Saniyan, late ah vandhu kazhutha arukkudhu". But I was thinking the other way round. I like being put in loops for crossings. There are many reasons. Your train will be halting at a village like place. You won't get a chance to see your nation in it's real beauty. Especially, for people like me who are in city but desire for greenery, these are golden chances. You can also enjoy the strong breeze as another train rushes past you. I will never enjoy a Shatabdi or Rajdhani journey or the Duranto or an A/C travel. I haven't travelled in neither of them as on date.


GOC WDM-2#16881 with Nagercoil-Chennai Express crossing my train at around 20kmph at Karunguzhi.


I took this as a chance and took a few snaps. My train started from Karunguzhi after the crossing and the next halt was Madurantakam. I could see that the MG tracks were being removed at Madurantakam. I walked along the "cremated" MG line and went near the station board and took a snap of it too. I waited till 103SR's departure. I took snaps of the old cement benches, station boards, fences. I could see the olden day spear-pointed barricades. Nice to see that not much of modernisation has been done here. I am not against modernisation, but few things like these should be preserved. You might wonder what I found so enthralling in these old cement benches, station boards, grassy platforms? Seriously, trust me! I haven't got a answer for that, but I liked them.



I sat in one of the station benches under a tree. I spent sometime listening to my favourite Back Street boys collection. Ear phones could be dangerous, but I couldn't resist. I inhaled fresh air and took a deep breath. I felt fresh. I spent sometime rejuvenating like that. Fresh air! My life is so simple and easy. Rs.10,000 per month, 103SR, weekend trips to Madurantakam, reading short novels, Michael Jackson's music, curd rice with pickles, time to play computer games and ofcourse wikipedia. I am quite content in life. A small sense of satisfaction. I am living in my own dream world and I have fallen in love with the planet and the human civilisation.

I was about to start for the temple. I heard a loud honk. I waited for sometime. WAG-9 hauled a freight train towards Villupuram and it crossed me at 50kph. I was surprised to see a freighter at this time. Maduratankam platform itself was in a curve. It was a real beauty to see her coming in a curve.

I went outside the station and took a few snaps. I walked on lonely roads to reach the Shiva temple. I went inside and I observed the cows, dogs around. It was quite big, but empty! I got a doubt that it must be recently constructed. The name of the place was Kadaperi and it's part of Madurantakam. I thanked for my recent successes and also prayed that my chappals outside should be safe.

I went around the temple once. When I entered into the sannidhi, there was a sweet aroma. Sweeter than the room freshners used in corporates. Divine! I was elated to the maximum. I could see the lingam with oil lamp lit near it. It was like a WDM-2's headlight. I had a short rapport with the priest before leaving.


Madurantakam Station Entrance.


I don't see such things often in temples!


Majestic! Lord Shiva and Mother Parvati with Vinayagar and Murugan.

There were a few ladies around. I didn't want to get into any "unwanted" trouble. So I didn't take much photos near the Tank. Else, next time, Madurantakam would become nostalgic in some other way.


A dog with her puppies. How nice and cute! There were 6 puppies.

I came out of the temple. I saw a dog with many puppies. It reminded me of my adopted street dog Damien. I spend quality time watching the puppies. Suddenly, I felt sad. It reflected my current stage in life. I am alone without any brother's or sisters. I have no one to share any feelings. I am denied all happiness by God(or has He got other plans). From my birth, till the present, Indian Railway engines have been great companions, as I celebrate many of my life's happiest moment with them and ofcourse, my friends(needless to say). Maybe that's the reason while interacting with everyone I take that extra liberty, care and affection. I was thinking about God too. Even Lord Ganapathi has got a brother. Even the great Lord of the Universe, Vishnu has got a sister Parvati. Wonder why I was alone? Even the God's who don't have desire/wishes were having siblings. Afterall, I am an human being there is nothing wrong in telling my feelings out.


A goat and a lamb. The goat gave a good pose.

The priest came out and sat in one of the benches. He saw me and was curious. He was wondering why I was taking photos of animals. He must be suspicious of my dress too. Black Pants, half-sleeve dress, backpack, sun glasses(coolers) etc etc. I entered into the town and walked along the bazaar. Somewhere far, I could hear the honk of WAP-4. I looked at my watch. It would have been the 6127 Guruvayur Express towards Guruvayur. I entered into Hotel Nirmala. Exactly two weeks back, myself and Vimal had tiffin in this hotel. The friendly bearer was able to identify me. I decided to have an heavy one. I ordered two Poori's and one Masala Dosai. I was served three type of chutneys. Then I went to Ram temple. I did everything at a snail's place. I took a stroll in the lawns of the temple.

I thought that it would be better if I had some water. I went outside and purchased a water bottle. I had a Bovonto too. The last time, I had this drink was in Rameshwaram with my college friends Venkat and Shanu- my college mates. I entered the temple again and continued writing Sri Rama Jayam. At around 10:20hours, I heard a honk. Must be Pallavan Express from Tiruchi towards Chennai. I took my own time. Then I spent some time listening to devotional music in my mobile. At around 12:30hours, I started my return journey. I boarded a bus bound towards Tambaram. The bus journey was also good. There wasn't much of crowd. I expected the bus to skip Chengalpet. But it touched Chengalpet which surprised me. It took 90 minutes to reach Tambaram. It was a achievenment in my opinion. Aggressive driving.

I reached Tambaram. I boarded a local train and went to Pazhavanthagal. I waited at the BG platform. It was only a matter of few minutes. WAP-4#22526 came with MDU-MS Vaigai Express. After spotting Vaigai, I proceeded towards my relatives house at
PZA. In the evening, I boarded an EMU again and got down at Saidapet. Then I boarded a bus to Adyar and I reached home at 18:00hrs. My dog Damien was sitting under my cousin brother's car.


Last pic of the day. ED WAP-4#22526 with 2636 MDU-MS Vaigai Superfast Express blasting through Pazahvanthangal.

-Krishna Kumar.S

Visiting Madurantakam [31/08/2008]

How the Temple came into existence?
I have cut and pasted the information from Chennai Online.

During 1796,a British officer called Colonel Lionel Plaze was the Collector of Chengalpattu district. During his collectorship, Plaze had witnessed two breaches in the huge tank in Madurantakam taluk. If it rained then there was a high chance that the tank would break.

The collector was exploring various ways and means to undertake urgent repairs if it was needed. During the course of his inspections, he happened to see a large collection of granite near the Ram temple. The collector suggested to his subordinates that these could be used if there is any emergency. Hearing this the temple priests said that the stones were meant for constructing a separate shrine for Janakavalli Thayar, consort of Lord Ram and since there was paucity of funds the construction could not commence and that's the reason the stones were lying just like that without any use.


A painting in the walls of the temple. Lord Ram and Lakshman blessing Lt.Col. Blaze. I took this photo with my camera mobile.

Hearing this the Collector is said to have remarked, "Where was the need for a separate shrine when more urgent work like repairing the bunds were crying for resources and asked the priests jestingly as to why the Lord was not able to save the tank each year"? The priests replied saying that the Lord was always known to answer a sincere prayer from the heart.

The rainy season came and on that year there was a heavy downpour. Within a few days the tank was full to the brim and a breach seemed imminent in a few days. That night a worried Collector camped near the tank hoping that the bunds would hold and even prayed to the Almighty. As he was inspecting, Colonel Plaze saw a miraculous sight. He saw two warriors bearing bow and quiver guarding the bunds. The British officer went on his knees and prayed, for he knew it was none other than Lord Ram and his divine brother Lakshmana. It was indeed strange that nobody else who were a part of the Collector's retinue saw the Lord. After a while the vision disappeared and the rain stopped. The grateful Collector undertook the building of the shrine for Janakavalli thayar. The temple came to be known as Yerikatha Ramar (Rama who saved the tank). There is also a separate idol for the Collector engraved in the shrine of Janakavalli Thayar.


A nice painting in the walls of the temple.

My narration of the story begins here.

I was suppose to visit Madurantakam on 24th August 2008. I have never been to Madurantakam earlier and I was amazed to hear about the stories related to Madurantakam. I was eager to visit the place. I was half-hearted on 24th, but on 31st, I was entirely interested with involvement. It was a railfanning-temple trip. I was to go alone. Around 21:00hrs the day earlier, I got an SMS from good old pal Vimal asking for my tomorrow's plan. I told him about my trip to Madurantakam. I thought Vimal might not be interested as the return journey involved bus and I was going to stay quality time at the temple premises. But Vimal surprisingly said that he is interested and he said that he would be waiting for me at GDY the next day morning. I also told that I would be spending "quality time" at the temple. Vimal agreed. I was happy, but also surprised, as Vimal hates traveling by bus and he may not like to stay idle for a long time.

As usual the same story. I guess in my blogs apart from my major trips, majority of the trips involve 103SR, the famous morning Egmore-Pondicherry Passenger. Vimal and myself met at GDY. We had a lengthy discussion about non-rail topics. Ranging from politics, international scenario, my career, saving money for future etc etc. I was counting on Vimal and other MAS members for advice as my age is his experience!


A cow poses for a pic.

WAP-4#22655 hauled 2638 MDU-MS Pandian Superfast Express and it crossed GDY at least 10 minutes late. Vimal was courageous and took a video right in the railway station. I had a look around to check whether there were any RPF's. Luckily there weren't any. In my view, the video came out well. Very soon, WDM-3D#11207 hauled 2634 CAPE-MS Kanya Kumari Express and blasted past us. Not even a few minutes, WDP-3A#15503 came with (Sengottai) Podhigai Express and this train was a bit slow and it crossed us only at 40kph as it was trailing 2634 Kanyakumari Express. To my surprise, WAP-4#22388 came with 103. It was a good performer and considered as a MONSTER performer. I didn't recollect that it was a MONSTER type loco, till Dilip sent me an SMS notifying me when the train was somewhere after Tambaram. As usual, I was updating the Chennai gang through SMS. The run was good.

We saw Pearl City Express near Urappakkam and Sethu Express near Maraimalai Nagar. My train halted for sometime near Paranur before entering in Chengalpet Jn. Vimal sat all the way till Madurantakam near the door, while I stood above him talking non-rail topics. Generally, Vimal and myself get into serious discussions during rail trips.

I had a look around the lake near Chengalpet. It was fantastic. I wish the weather was even more cool. When my train reached Chengalpet, I got down and rushed to the nearest vendor and bought idli-vadai-two sets. No time to get water-bottle. The reason being there was only one vendor in the stall and hell lot of crowd. The vendor was also very slow and he was taking his own sweet time to give change. Madurantakam was some 30km away from Chengalpet. I thought that I could do without water. I quit the idea and returned back to the coach. Vimal was slightly disappointed and he was in need of water. But he decided to wait till Madurantakam.

A small fight was going on between two ladies inside the compartment. An old lady has washed her hands in the middle of the coach itself. Another middle-aged lady, also from rural area but with a lot of civic sense argued that what’s she is doing is wrong. The old lady replied saying, “Is it your father’s property?” As I watched this “Kuzha-Adi Sandai”, my train started to move. I am not the person who interferes in other's personal affairs, but I was impressed with the civic sense in the rural areas and I decided to observe their conversation. As the train accelerated, the rate of words coming from their mouths increased. As WAP-4#22388 proved it’s monster capabilities and blasted through Tirumani, these two women became real monsters, fighting in Tamil versions of "popular" English words. As I saw this, I remembered a comedy scene from the Tamil film Chinna Gounder in which Manorama and Sukanya exchange some funny words.

My train did halt at stations like Ottivakkam, Padalam and Karunguzhi. I was a bit surprised as it is not mentioned in the TT. Later I got an SMS from an IRFCA member in MAS saying that the stoppings are as per requirements of people boarding the train at CGL. I think I can trust that information as it was from a reliable source. In some of my travels, I have noticed 103/104 skipping these stations. I opened my food packet. Chutney was missing. Idli wasn’t great. Vadai was puny and small. My favourite food item is Paratha. Nowadays it is missing in many of Railway stations. Don’t know why. Sambar was like Masala water. I drank it!! The speed of the train was moderate and I didn't feel anything great about it.


Madurantakam Tank. This is the one which is believed to be protected by Lord Ram Himself.

I observed Ottivakkam station. It had an old hut-type Station Master room. It had some amount of concrete walls, but the ceilings were of different era. I don’t know how to express that in proper English. But it is called "Odu Veedu" in Tamil. It had a shelter in blue colour (must be asbestos) with a space of only three to sit. The 6116 Pondicherry Express was in loop line waiting for us. Things like these drives me crazy and I would even settle for good in stations. I was very happy at seeing the station and it was more charming than the Chennai City Center.

Imagine spending a night in stations like these. Watching high-speed train action (at least 90kmph), sleeping in the benches, sharing a meal with the stationmaster, sharing chocolates with local kids in the railway station etc. There is some connection between God and Indian Railways. In IR stations, you can find people, kids and animals. The only other place where you can find such combination is only in Indian Railways. Each station is like a temple, which gives shelter to people who are less fortunate than us. People over here consider railway stations as their own house. I recommend that if anyone wants to explore India, the best choice is the passenger train. And also there is another reason why I like passenger trains!! You are always put in loop, while other trains overtake/cross you. I am not interested in going fast.


Amazing landscape. I love it.

IR Stations needs to be more clean and neat. If it were done, it would be even more charming than the Spencer Plaza at Chennai. As we got down at Madurantakam, people were looking at us curiously. I could guess why. I was wearing formals and Vimal was like an officer in perfect formals. Maybe, they were wondering what we were doing at this small town. It was my first visit to Madurantakam. However, Vimal stated a different answer. He said that the people got curious because of the way we interacted amongst ourselves in railway terms(it happens). The station was in a slight curve. Ideal of train spotting.


It was a cloudy day. Few of my trips in the recent past involved cloudy climates.

The platform was at low level. Maybe that’s the reason why MEMU’s run beyond Chengalpattu instead of EMU's as MEMU’s have ladders/footsteps unlike EMU’s. We crossed the tracks and then I asked the "friendly" Station Master the route to visit Yeri Katha Ramar Temple. The SM suggested that we should walk along the tracks safely and reach the gate and then board a bus bound to Madurantakam bus stand. The distance was some 2km as per his words. Vimal decided to walk than taking a bus. We spent almost 30 minutes searching for a good hotel. But we didn’t get tired as I was busy talking about my college life which has just got over. My attempts to convince Vimal to join Orkut were in vain.

I was in a dilemma whether to offer my prayers without having food or after having food. I thought further whether to have onion or not. Later, I decided to take it easy. At last, we found a good hotel. Paper Roast, Vadai etc etc. Then we leisurely walked to the temple. I captured a couple of photos. It was around 09:30hrs when we entered the temple. Meanwhile, Vimal purchased Dinakaran, Ananda Vikatan and tamil dailies. I started writing Sri Rama Jayam. Vimal was busy reading about politics, Singur unrest, Nuclear Deal etc etc.

At around 10:20hrs, I heard a good loud honk. Though the station is a bit far, I was optimsitic that it could be of a train. It must be Pallavan Express also doing 90kmph. Ha Ha! Am I not to give my prayers whole-heartedly? My concentration got disturbed. But I was sure my Lord wouldn’t mind it nor be angry. If the Indian Railway were around in His times, He would also be a rail fan. Who knows, He might be an active travel writer too.



Gopuram of the Yeri Katha Ramar Temple, Madurantakam.

Vimal was having his precious afternoon nap as I was busy with my prayers. After writing around 508 times as per my wish, I felt content and decided to pack up. I wanted to capture the sight of the Madurantakam tank. I came out of the temple, took the left and took another left to take up a set of stairs. As I climbed up, I slipped and fell down. As I got up and climbed up further, I fell down again. I think I need to be have some patience in life. While crossing the GST Road, I took extra care. After verifying, that no cars/lorries were around I crossed the road and took a few snaps.

We started from Madurantakam at around 12:30hrs, after staying 3 hours at the temple. We boarded a bus at the bus stand to reach Chengalpet. We reached Chengalpattu in half an hour. We had mini Tiffin at a hotel near CGL restaurant. I had Chappati’s and Vimal had plain dosa. We slowly walked to the Railway station. We got an announcement saying that 2636 MDU-MS Vaigai Super Fast Express was on the way. It came with an ED WAP-4 and left within 2 minutes. We thought that we might miss this train so we didn't purchase Express tickets! But 2636 was a bit late. We aren't interested in buying another set of tickets either Then I heard an announcement saying, 2635 MS-MDU Vaigai Express was on its way!

I could see the incoming train in the distance. It was at least 2-3km away and a WAP-4 was hauling it. Awesome! It was a great sight to see both the trains crossing each other at a distance of 2-3km. Imagine the total length of both these 24 coach trains!! Totally 48 coaches.

2635 entered CGL with an AJJ WAP-4. It had an halt of 2mins. I could observe typical Madurai type people. Dhoti’s, big moustaches and a bit conservativeness. I was amazed at the diversity of my country. The train started and as it pulled out of Chengalpattu it suddenly stopped. I heard 6-7 honks. Is it a Morse code? Does it mean anything? I was wondering what was happening. Vimal said, "There must have been a chain pull". The vendors took this as a chance and made some extra business. After a couple of minutes 2635 left.


The weather was really good. It didn't rain thankfully.

We boarded the next EMU towards Chennai Beach and we started for PZA. Near Vandalur, Twin WDM-2’s or twin WDG-3A’s were spotted hauling a goods rake. Fantastic. It’s been a long time, since I have seen diesels hauling goods in electric territory. We reached PZA(Pazhavanthangal) after a boring EMU run. I visited Vimal’s house for the first time and interacted with his family.

The funniest moment was when Vimal’s mother asked, "Whether I was married?". Given my appearance, people always mistake me for a 30 year old person. Trust me! I take that as a credit. That was my advantage in my workplace. Then I departed and went to see my old athimber or my father's eldest-eldest-eldest brother in law. He was 92 years old. Then around 20:00hrs I boarded an EMU at PZA towards Saidapet. I was hoping to see Podhigai Express near Saidapet. However, it passed even before I reached Saidapet and the EMU was crowded and I couldn't see it. I got down at Saidapet and I reached my house at around 20:30hrs. My dog damien was guarding my house.

-Krishna Kumar.S
a.k.a Junior KK