(Thanks Pradeep for reminding me that I've not written about trains yet...)
Those of you in the know (and by that I mean, who have lived a significant amount of time in Chennai, especially the central and southern parts) must have come across the stock of the M.G. Electric Multiple Unit trains rolling and yawing and gently lolling along the iron tracks doing their regular runs between suburban Tambaram and Chennai (Madras) Beach Jn.
M.G.Emus...erstwhile lifeline of south Madras, now relegated to the scrap heap...(photo courtesy IRFCA,photo copyright "Poochi Venkat"
The venerable old trains are no longer in service though, removed from service when the clock struck midnight and turned onto July 1, 2004.
The moon only serves to enhance the nightfall on the life and times of the M.G. Emu in Chennai. This long exposure night shot in the wee early hours of July 1, 2004 just after the last commercial MG Emu service had been run, serves as a poignant reminder to something we will not see again in Chennai..the gently rocking and rolling pitter-patter of these trains....photo courtesy IRFCA,photo copyright "Jason Antony"
Ever since the humble beginnings as a direct current driven three-car rake in April 1931, these trains evolved into the conscience of people who grew up along the route served by the trains. So much, that they became part of the social life. It was not uncommon to see people fraternizing amongst fellow-travellers. Many a life-long friendships were born in the often-crowded, usually-cramped, but always rolling and rocking and lolling cars of the local trains (as they came to be called in the parlance that is uniquely desi). And this affection extended to the trains as well..so much so that people sent the train off in variously unique and not-so-unique ways. And the venerable Southern Railway, bless their souls, even accepted to run a special on July 1 just to honor the sentiment of the hundreds of thousands of riders.
Who says machines cannot evoke emotions from people? These people, apparently regular users of the services, were distributing candies and sweets as parting gift to the riders of the last train....(photo courtesy IRFCA,photo copyright "Poochi Venkat"
Yours truly fell in love with them sometime during the early 80s, when the rapidly burgeoning population of suburban southern Madras began to rely more on these to get to their destinations. Through the years, it evolved into more avatars than the average Bollywood movie star changes clothing during one song. But unlike the movie stars though, the avatars were never garish, and always beneficial..
My earliest recollection of these cutesy trains were when they were in off-white or silvery painted livery. They then went Gang Green....as in, Southern Railway went ahead and re-painted them rakes in a deep green, which, IMO was the best livery that these trains have ever had. Though they never made a comeback on the venerable MG rakes, they are now widely prevalent in their successor - the wide-bodied BG rakes.
The Green Monster...not the one in Boston's Fenway...but the massive one that runs now in place of the MG Emus in Chennai...these trains provide enhanced capacity and increased rider comfort, but they are so plastic and do not have half the charm of the trundly MG trains. And they are BIG.. photo courtesy IRFCA,photo copyright "Poochi Venkat"
But the livery that has been the most prevalent is the ones you see in the first photo above. In between undergoing cosmetic changes though, the trains underwent functional changes as well. Reflecting increased ridership, 8-car rakes were made into 9-car rakes. Improved signalling and increased coordination with the city government led to reduction of number of grade-crossings (level-crossings in Indian parlance) which then improved the punctuality.
Ultimately, what stands out for me is the fact that these little trains, restricted to operative speeds of 55kmph could still give you the impression of speed, what with the way it would huff and puff and trundle merrily, rolling and weaving its way through the city. And during those times when Chennai gets lashed by rains and roads are akin to navigating an obstacle course, it is these venerable trains that gave the safe way of passage to many commuters.
And now that these trains are out of service, it is time to move on and establish bonds with the beasts that have replaced them..the huge and impersonal looking widebody EMUs. But hey, isnt it only a matter of time before people fall in love with the BG emus as well?