The Ernakulam South Railway Station was another attraction. It was
not as extensive as it is now. There were trains going to the South only up to
Trivandrum. To the North the farthest point was Madras. If one’s destination
was beyond that, like New Delhi, a connecting train, Jayanti Janatha, had to be
taken from Madras to reach New Delhi. The duration of the journey too was very
long, three long days on the train, as the steam engines used then could not
move any faster. I was amazed to note that the huge engine operated with the
application of steam power. ‘Ammachi’
told us, “James Watt was the inventor who devised the first closed cylinder
with a piston pushed back and forth by steam. It was George Stephenson who
constructed the first practical locomotive in 1814. It was the Raja of Cochin
who invested huge amounts to extend the railway line from Thrissur to Cochin.”
It is pertinent to note that large quantities of timber were used
for laying the teak sleepers in our extensive railway net work. It was
officially estimated that almost two
thousand trees were required per mile of railway line. ‘Ammachi’ told me, “Railway net work was essential for the colonial
trade and for the movement of imperial troops. The British colonialists
indiscriminately felled and removed large quantity of valuable timber like
Teak, Rosewood and others from areas like Parambikulam Forest in Kerala to
build their ships, palatial bungalows and furniture; and for fuel in their
locomotives, brick and tile factories.”
I noticed that the railway
station areas as well as the passengers coming out of the train were dirty,
because of the smoke emitted by the steam engine. The railway station compound
too was dirty with cow dung and urine. All these sights of the town were very
interesting to us, young children. We could not stay longer than eight o’clock
at night as the last boat back home was around half past eight.
I am amazed at the speedy developments in the Southern Railway
during the last three decades. The teak
wood sleepers were substituted by concrete beam support; narrow gauge lines
were changed to broad gauge lines; steam engines gave way for diesel engines
and now electric powered engines have become common. It increased speed and
reduced distance by time. It helped the speedy transportation of goods. The
railway is the biggest employer in the country. Lakhs of commuters and
passengers make use of this transport which is comparatively economical.
In order to further speed up traffic in the longer routes from the
South via Kottayam to the Northern destinations like New-Delhi, Bombay,
Kolkotha and other places, a new straight railway line, avoiding the circuitous
route through Ernakulam, having a length of hardly 10 kilometers should be
constructed in between Trippunithura and Kalamassery stations via Kakkanad Civil Station limit.
This will ease pressure of floating population in Ernakulam South and North
railway stations and at least two hours time can be saved for passengers going
in the longer routes. Stops may be provided at Trippunithura and Kalamassery or
Aluva stations to reduce the inconvenience of passengers. Rajadhani Express
train may be run on Alleppy route on alternate days for the convenience of
passengers from Ernakulam as well. Those who alight at Trippunithra or
Kalamassery or Aluva can make use of the proposed Metro services coming up
shortly. I sincerely hope that wisdom would prevail upon the politicians and
the authorities concerned. It shall not be delayed on parochial considerations.
The Railways as a service oriented body, should give high priority
in enhancing the safety of their passengers, improving amenities provided at
railway stations, such as ticketing, catering and cabin quality.
