I was excited to travel in a steam locomotive even in this century. There I am, at Ernakulam South Railway Station to board the century old 'EIR 21 Express'. It was as part of Thiruvananthapuram Division’s initiative to run this century old steam engine from Ernakulam Junction to Cochin Harbour Terminus. This segment of the trip takes about 20 minutes covering 8 kms. My trip was at 2 PM. I reserved my ticket in advance and the fare for adult Indian nationals is Rs.500.
It is said that the name 'EIR 21 Express' was given to the loco by its creators, Kitson,Thampson and Hewistson of England, who built it in 1855. The loco was shipped to the Indian subcontinent and used about 55 years till it was discontinued in 1909. It was then used for exhibitions at Jamalpur Workshops and Howrah Station for 101 years.
In 2010, Loco Workshop , Perambur revived the Express EIR 21 and the first heritage run by EIR 21 was conducted as part of the Independance celebarations in 2010 from Chennai Central to Avadi with two coaches. It runs in Chennai, Puduchery, Thiruchendur and Nagarcoil before coming to Kochi.
A special coach with 40 seats is also attached to the steam engine for the trips . The coach was decorated beautifully . The coach has plenty of removable chairs and was fitted with an air conditioner.
The train left from Ernakulam Jn at 2 pm and it chugged through scenic places towards Cochin Harbour Terminus. Along the way you will get beautiful views on both the sides. When the train passed through level cross, I could see clicking of dozens of cameras going off around the train. Some were waving to the train as it passed.
After a break at Cochin Harbour Terminus, it returned back to Ernakulam Junction. The train was fun and and the route is also beautiful . Sometimes duration and the destination doesn't matter for a train journey and for me, this train journey will always be cherished .
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