A journey through South East Asian (SEA) Cities in search of Trains

As we approach the end of 2015, all the Television channels and Magazines bring out their ‘Best of 2015’ specials. On a similar note, I decided to look back and realised that some of the fantastic moments of this year have come from travelling and work.

 

Yes, Work and Travel don’t always gel in giving happiness. Most of the times, it means commuting to work or having a field job. I work as an IT Manager at Hilton Mumbai and my daily commute includes CR local trains and Mumbai Metro. Those travels are certainly not for fun. Midway, through the year I was offered an opportunity to train as a Technical Installer (TI) for Hilton Servers and visit other Hilton Hotels in Asia Pacific (APAC) region whenever servers are to be refreshed /replaced or build (Upcoming Hotels). The training is very strenuous and one needs to clear the certification with 95% to qualify as a TI. I decided to challenge my limits and accept the dual roles of continuing as IT Manager at Hilton Mumbai along with the TI schedules. With around 4500 hotels under its ambit, Hilton has pretty much covered the entire world with its light and warmth of Hospitality.

 

Coming back to the Railfaning part, the year started with a marathon trip made famous by us, the Mumbai Suburban Parikrama version 2.0 which entails travelling the entire Mumbai Suburban section covering around 700 kms in a day. It was my second successful attempt and would like to keep the legacy alive whenever the 3^rd instalment is planned. In May, we did a Family trip to Ahmedabad by the 12009 Mumbai Central- Ahmedabad Shatabdi. The run was superb and return was 2 days later by Air Vistara( A maiden flight for my parents J). In the meanwhile, our railfaning(RF) group had already planned for the annual monsoon sojourn. This year we had planned to go to Vishakhapatnam, Kirandul and Araku areas in the Eastern part of India. I was leading from the front in booking all the legs of the journey for my troop of RFs and even the Retiring rooms were booked. Little did I know that August 2015 had something special waiting for me?

 


 

 

Bangkok, Thailand

In the last week of July, my Regional Director called and asked me to train with another TI at Bangkok on exactly the same dates for which we had booked our Railfaning trip. Unfortunately, I had to forego my much anticipated Monsoon RF trip and head to Bangkok. We did installation in Conrad Bangkok and Millennium Hilton Bangkok. Both are iconic hotels and a typical installation lasts for 3 days. The first 2 days are extremely tiresome and the last day does provide you with a few hours of respite and we did go out and explore the city.

 

Exploring the city means shopping, visiting places of interest and doing what the normal tourists do. But, that term is construed by me. For me exploring a city means going around its rail network, studying the technology used and understanding the travel friendliness of those places. With my trainer TI with me on this trip, I couldn’t force him to try my way of exploring. Though we did travel by the BTS (Bangkok Transit System), an MRT/Skytrain designed for city travel. It was mainly used by us to get from one shopping mall to the other.

 

Bangkok has a river running through its heart and our Hotel was located on its banks. Millenium Hilton Bangkok has a complimentary shuttle boat for its guests to the nearest BTS Skytrain  Station called Saphan Taksin.

View of the Dual purpose bridge which supports road as well as BTS Traffic at Saphan Taksin Pier



Saphan Taksin Station's Pier for easy transfer to the overhead BTS station on the bridge.



 

A typical BTS  station's concourse with AFC gates.

 

BTS uses 3rd rail DC technology with Standard Gauge.


 

BTS train. In the distance, you can see the gradient to indicate some stations have multi level platforms to save on space for Up and Down traffic.
 

 

Video Grab of a BTS entering the station.

 



That's the Bangkok MRT map with the Red line indicating the Skytrain to Suvarnabhoomi International Airport.
 

As I said earlier, we used the BTS only for hopping over to different shopping centres and hence couldn't do full justice to my passion of Railfaning. The trains can get fairly crowded depending on the time of the day. There are basically 2 major lines and one airport link. I could not get onto the Underground MRT system which currently connects 18 stations in a horse shoe shaped line around the city. Probably, will have to visit the city one more time for the MRT expedition in Bangkok.

 

 


 

Colombo, Sri Lanka

 

 

I returned to Mumbai and the next schedule was in September. This was to Colombo, Srilanka. First sights of the city from Hilton Colombo Residences made me feel nostalgic about my own sweet state of Kerala. Its very similar to Kochi with Mangalore tiled houses and buildings. We had 3 days of installation here too and on the last day before flying out to Mumbai, the local IT Manager  asked me if I wanted to do any sightseeing.  I requested him to drop me to the Fort Railway Station of Colombo and he was surprised. I had to explain him about my love affair with trains. He quickly arranged for the Hotel Limousine to drop me to the station, The chauffer even obliged to wait for an hour in the parking lot while I went around the station. It couldn't get better than that.

 

Fort Railway Station is the main railway  terminal of the country. There are trains bound to almost all places in Srilanka originating from here. Off course, British had brought the railways to Srilanka and Diesel trains , DEMU and conventional Loco hauled trains rule the roost here. Electrification is yet to get a hold in Srilanka.

 

That's the view from my Hotel Room at Hilton Colombo Residences of the tallest Communication Tower that Srilanka is building. In the distance you can see the Colombo Port.

Fort Railway Station back entry .

 

I bought a platform ticket and entered the station premises. On the side of the parking is an old steam plinthed loco. The beauty of a steam loco can never be surpassed by the modern day trains.

 



 

A rather dangerous looking face of the Chinese made DEMU operating out of the Fort Railway Station. Pic taken from the FOB at the north end of the station.

 

Other end of this DEMU and the sidewall  livery reminds us of the WAP7 electric locos of India.

 

Ready for departure with the customary flag off. The stations were similar to Indian railway stations with a lot of people waiting to board trains to different destinations.

Readying to leave the station but brought to a halt for a few minutes again.

 

Blast from the past. The watering pipe at the edge of the platform reminds us of the old steam engines operating here.

Dual discharge platform number 1 receiving an intercity train with conventional Diesel loco and coaches.

Intercity train with  commuters all loaded for departure.

That's an Indian Railway Loco (ALCO) with another set of conventional coaches waiting for departure.

Rear end of the intercity train with options to use the vestibules.



The loco has reversed and attached to the other end. The last coach is an observation car.

 

On the terminal platform was an Oldie waiting for departure.

Another Chines made DEMU rushes into Pf 1 of Fort Railway station.

A view of the commuter cars. Note the stairs. Pic taken from north end FOB.

A video grab of the Alco hauled Passenger train entering Pf 2 of Colombo fort Railway Station.

View of the tracks from North End FOB.





The main façade of the station in its gothic architecture, stands out in the evening sun.





The other DEMU sets on display are the ICF made DEMUs with the typical Red livery. I missed out on capturing them on my camera. Fort Railway station could probably qualify to be the biggest DEMU terminal in this part of the world. The amount of traffic in an out of this place was outstanding. With a heart full of content, I returned back to the Hotel and flew back to Mumbai the next morning.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Kuala Lumpur (KL), Malaysia

 

 

 

Next up on the radar was the Hilton at Petaling Jaya (PJ), an extended suburb of Kuala Lumpur. I had been to KL in 2014 as a part of our IT conference and enjoyed the KLIA Express ride from Airport to KL Sentral ( The transport Hub of KL). The KLIA express runs at 160 kmph and gets you right into the city within 28 minutes.  The KLIA Express and KLIA Transit use the same line but KLIA Transit stops at a few intermediate stops. Best part is the baggage checkin facility at KL Sentral for many airlines.

 

Since, I was staying at Hilton PJ, I did not try the KLIA Express this time but decided to explore other KL transport options. After 3 days of hectic work, the last day gave me a few hours to explore. From my hotel room, I could spot the LRT line of Kelana Jaya. The definition of LRT in Malaysia is slightly twisted. Unlike LRT in other countries which use rubber tyres, these LRT in Malaysia are full fletched Rail lines like MRTs, only the number of cars in the consist are low and probably, that's the reason they call it LRT. These LRTs very much do the MRT job here in KL.

 



The light rail 3 coach tiny driverless shuttle operating between its terminals uses rubber tyres and middle DC rail with a metal wheel also as a guideway for it. 

 

View of the Airport Terminal shuttle from the plane.
 

During my stay , I was on the constant look-out  from my window for the nearest LRT station and on the second day, I did capture the movement.

 

LRT running on the Kelana Jaya line, as seen from my Hotel window.

On the last day, I woke up early in the morning to ensure that I cover the KL transit systems as much as possible. Downloaded  the KL Transit Map as shown below and had my breakfast and left on foot to the nearest LRT station, Asia Jaya.

Thanks to Rapid KL for publishing this map and making it easy for me.

 I had been to KL earlier and rode the KLIA Express route 6 and 7 as noted in the Map.I had stayed at Double Tree KL during my last visit and had the opportunity to ride the Gombak bound line 5 and Ampang bound line 3. The other routes were on the anvil this time.

 

 

Asia Jaya is a station on the Kelana Jaya -Gombak Line 5. Almost all routes converge at KL Sentral. So it was imperative for me to reach KL Sentral as soon as possible. It was a walk of about 300 metres to Asia Jaya from Hilton Petaling Jaya.

 

Ticket/token ending machine for all modes of transport in KL

 

Moving from Concourse to the platform level.

 

The cutie, LRT approaching the station. These are driverless, running on third rail DC Technology and you can literally stand in the front and get the feel of a Motorman.

 

Another look to the edge of the platform. In the horizon, you can see the gradient these LRTs take

 

Departing for KL Sentral onboard the LRT.

Approaching a University station with a loop line for stabling the LRT.

 

2 back to back LRTs

 

The third rail can be clearly seen
 

 

Getting closer to KL Metropolis

Within 15 minutes, I was deposited at KL Sentral. This place has everything under one roof.

KLIA Express, KLIA Transit, LRT, KTM commuter, KTM Intercity, Monorail, Rapid KL bus service and international railways to Singapore and Thailand.

 

LRT at KL Sentral

 

Wishing Happy Deepawali to all its commuters @ KL Sentral

 

The large concourse which connects all modes

 

Signages to lead you to all the right modes of transport

 

I decided to hitch a ride on the line to Batu Caves. This is served by KTM Commuter and more of a conventional MG rail line with ballast.

Choose the right platform

 

From one level to the other. Gosh, there are so many places that you can go from here

 

Seating inside the KTM commuter is 2 X 2 in some sections and some part has lateral seating.

 

Final destination, Batu Caves

 

That's my ride.

 

 

Oil Tanker on one of the sidings at Batu Caves

 

Murugan Statue at Batu caves, is a walkable distance from the station. If you have enough stamina to climb the 300 steps, a beautiful cave awaits you on top.

 

A typical OHE

 

pandrol clips on ballsted section.

 

Nomenclature of platforms like 3b and 2b are actually extended part of 3 and 2. its one and the same island platform

 

Inside view of the old Kuala Lumpur Station built by British.

A video of the KTM Commuter Carshed on my way from Batu caves to Kl Sentral.

 

I had a few more hours to spend and after reaching KL Sentral decided to take the KL Monorail which is operated by Scomi, the same guys who are currently running Mumbai Monorail. The way to Monorail Station at KL Sentral is through a mall. I decided to hitch a ride on it till IMBI, a place famous for electronic goods.

 

2 coach Mono approaching IMBI

 

 Monorail leading out of IMBI
 

A video grab of the  2 monos crossing each other at IMBI station.

 

I returned back to my hotel at Petaling Jaya and headed straight to the Airport to be with my family. It was fulfilling trip in terms of work as well as hobby pursuing. KL Sentral is an ultimate destination for the transport fanatic with its immense integration of all modes of transport.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Manila, Philippines

 

 

 

This trip to Manila was going to be my farthest journey till date. With no direct flights, I decided to take the Thai Airways to Bangkok and from there to Manila with a transit time of around 3 hours in Bangkok Suvarnabhoomi International Airport.  Manila appeared to be a distant cousin of Mumbai. Some areas of the city had the posh look, whereas some were utterly neglected and encroached upon. One could find shanties co-existing with skyscrapers. Jeepneys were the mode of transport here and we were here to build the IT infrastructure for the upcoming Conrad hotel. We were put up in one of the budget hotel in Aseana City, Red Planet. Its surrounded by wide roads, Mall of Asia and SM convention centre and 5 star casinos. As usual, work was hectic, but I had saved the last day for my hobby.

 

Jeepneys are the most common mode of transportation here

Road traffic can be really a pain in Manila and you can get stuck for hours. leaving early is always advisable. I tried to google about the rail transportation in Manila and found that Metro Manila as we can call it for the collection of various cities forming one big region is catered by 2 LRT lines and one MRT line. I just had 2 hours to explore and with google map on the phone, I walked up to one of the terminal stations of the LRT, Baclaran . It was a heavily congested street, full of hawkers and beggars. The station was the typical 2 level structure. Level one as concourse for ticketing and level 2 for the platforms.

 

 

Baclaran station with LRT1 on the other platform. Every coach set had a pantograph

 

An older version of the LRT1 at Baclaran station. Trains empty out, move ahead and reverse onto the other platform. Baclaran had 3 platforms.

 

Articulated coaches

I went up to the Central terminal and being the peak hour, I decided to get off and ride back to Baclaran as trains were heavily crowded . The LRT here has ballasted tracks and more or less resemble the harbour line of the Central Railways in India as it passes the houses and buildings in close proximity.  I couldn't take the LRT2 and MRT3 lines for want of time. The authorities did not allow me to take pictures, hence had to suffice with whatever was captured on the sly.

 

 

 

 
 

 

Singapore

 

 

December 2015 was going to be special. I was scheduled to perform the TI work for 2 big hotels in our chain at Singapore, the Conrad and the Hilton. Work schedule was of 6 days with the last day reserved for travelling back home.  I alighted at the Terminal 2 of Changi International Airport. There were sky trains to shuttle between Terminals 1,2 and 3. It had been raining on all the 5 days of my stay in Conrad as well as Hilton and I was praying that my work gets completed in the stipulated time and I get enough time to explore the famed MRT routes of Singapore.

 

Its one of the best cities, I have been to. Tree line roads, crystal clear signage's, law abiding citizens and no traffic rules are flouted here. You feel like being in a garden even though you are surrounded by skyscrapers. The city is covered in green mat. Kudos to the government and its citizens. After my TI work got over, I approached the concierge desk and availed the complimentary map of Singapore with all the Transport lines and places of interest marked on it. It described 5 MRT lines and 3 LRT lines for a small place like Singapore. On the coffee table of my room at Hilton was a book which featured some of the best journeys by train.

Taking inspiration from a coffee table ad

 





The map says it all
 

This was an opportunity that I didn't want to miss. The whole night, I kept designing the route that I wished to take the next morning to ensure that all lines were covered. I got up at 6am and had my breakfast by 7am and headed to the station, Orchard(NS22), which was an underground (UG) station located at a walking distance from the Hilton.

Double Decker bus by SBS Transit near the Orchard Station.

My itinerary was to first take the NS line and get to appoint where the lines go over ground to get a clearer view of the trains. So from Orchard (NS22), I moved to Ang Mo Kio (NS16) to catch a clearer glimpse of the rake.

A typical MRT station on North South (NS/RED line)

 

Edge of Ang Mo Kio (NS16)

 

6 Coach SMRT approaching Ang Mo Kio on the North South line.

 The NS lines have Hyundai Rotem coaches working on 3rd rail DC technology. All SMRT and SBS transit line are driverless.

I decided to proceed ahead to the next pit stop, which was Choa Chu Kang (NS 4) to get my first ride of LRT . These signs lead me from the MRT station to the LRT station in the same complex on adjacent platforms.

The Bukit Panjang LRT loop as this is known here.

 

BP LRT approaching Choa Chu Kang terminus

 

LRT has twin rubber tyres as can be seen from the marks. The middle rail has power and there is a metal wheel beneath the rake to act as guideway and stay clinged to the middle guide and power

 

A typical BP LRT station, which can support maximum of 2 coaches.

 

Route is full of twists and turns

 

 

Its like a ride in the amusement park with a roller coaster ride like this.

 

 

A closer look at the rails

 

Yes, they co-exist. LRT and MRT lines besides each other at Choa Chu Kang Station.

With the BP LRT done, I continued my quest on the North South line till NS1, Jurong East. This is the place where we hop onto the East West lines(EW 24). As we depart Jurong East, we see the Carshed meant for the Red or NS line. I decided to travel on EW line only till Buono Vista (EW21) as its another interchange station to the Circle line. Alstom is the manufacturer of coaches for the Circle Line.

Green Line or the EW lines have seats in green colour. These are also made by Hyundai Rotem.

 

 I hopped on the Circle line at Buona Vista and continued on it till the Harbour Front.  It was time again to hop. This time from the Circle line to North East (NE ) line. This is signified by the purple livery seats.

 

NE line with purple seats at Harbour Front Station.

 

I didn't want to miss the small Downtown line. So, I ditched the NE line at Chinatown and hopped onto the Downtown line characterised by the bright yellow and red seats. Downtown line uses Bombardier rakes.

 

Entirely underground Downtown line.

 

One of the station artefacts. I hopped again from the Downtown line to Circle line to reach Dhoby Ghaut to proceed on my journey to NE line's extreme end.

 

4 levels of underground platforms layout.

 

Reached Sengkang on NE  for the twin LRT loop rides. Above is the LRT station with each platform for the different loop as seen in the map

 

One coach LRT with single rubber tyre and same principle of middle DC rail and guideway technology is used here.

 

amazing curves on this section.

 

A closer look at the LRT

 

loops and more loops.

 

After Sengkang, I moved one station ahead to Punggol on the NE line to again take the Punggol LRT loop which was similar to the Sengkang LRT .

An SBS transit depot for the buses as seen from one of the LRT stations.

 

Finally, made my way back to Orchard  by using the NE line from Punggol to Dhoby Ghaut and hopping onto the NS line.

My top-up card gifted by the IT manager for my day's travel. It was universally accepted in all the routes.

 


I returned back to the hotel, had a hearty meal and moved to Changi for my way back home.

The airport LRT for shuttling between terminals, through the tinted sheets

 

My last ride of Dec 2015 was with the grand A380 of Singapore Airlines.

Singapore is a public transport fan's ultimate destination. Almost every nook and corner is covered by the different modes of MRT and LRT and equally complimented  by buses. This year has been very fulfilling in terms of train hopping. I managed to cover some  of the great transport hubs of South- East Asia. Hopefully, next year I have many more cities to cover and present to all you folks out there.