The last train on of the world's most scenic rail routes in the world connecting
Kollam in Kerala with Shencottah in Tamil Nadu rolled out of Punalur station on August 20th. Laid by the British more than a hundred years back it was the main link between Madras Presidency and the erstwhile princely state of Travancore and considered an engineering marvel of its time. The rail route served as an active trade link between the vegetable and agricultural producers from the rural farm markets of Tamil Nadu and Kollam.
Trains on the route traverse over the lush western ghats after crossing Shencottah across sharp curves and steep gradients that offer a breath taking panoramic view of the ghats and the dense Thenmala -Aryankavu forest ranges, the rail tunnels adding a sense of adventure especially to children. The birds eye view of the valley as trains chugged dangerously close to the mountain curves and bends thrilled passengers in what would today be called as an adventure tour experience. The stunning natural beauty all through the route coupled with the timelessness of the quaint stations built in Victorian style made travelling on this route an unforgettable experience.
The last train on the route was to run on 19th September 2010 before being closed down permanently for broad gauge conversion work. The Madurai division of the Southern Railway extended the last run by one more day, bowing to the request of thousands of passengers from both States. According to Punalur Station Master Sudheeshan a record 4000 nostalgia filled passengers travelled on the last run on this route unmindful of the discomfort and bid a tearful adieu to a train journey which had left an indelible memory in their minds.