Finally, I made it... (Tanjong Pagar KTM Station)

This is probably one of, if not the only railway station in the world that generated so much controversies because of its location and ownership.

Located right inside the commercial district of Tanjong Pagar, this railway was built in 1932 during the colonial times and it's own by the KTM (Keretapi Tanah Melayu or Malayan Railways Limited in English), which is of course the railway operator of Malaysia.

Since the unexpected independence in 1965, the status of the railway has always been the bone of contention for the governments on both sides of the Causeway.

Owning to the fact that the railway line and its surrounding areas that started from this point to Johor Bahru, the nearest Malaysian city to Singapore, cut through the prime district of Bukit Timah belong to Malaysia that for many decades the Singapore government has not been able to go ahead with some of its plans to develop this part of the island.

It was only recently concluded that by next July, this operation of this railway station will be relocated to the Woodlands, the northern tip of the island, thus clearing any obstacle for the local authority to develop the stretch (finally!!).

Which its pending closure, it is not surprising to see shutterbugs armed with their gadgets to snap the grandeur of this transport hub before calling it a day.

SOME PICTURES OF THE RAILWAY STATION

The main hall of the station (just like those you seen in the old movies)

One of the things that really caught your eyes would be these mural paintings that deco the walls of the hall that depicted the early days of Malaya.

A reminder from the colonial past is the wordings that abbreviated "FMSR" - Federated Malay States Railway (I presumed).

On both sides of the hall, I spotted these two coats of arms of the two different entities during the colonial days - On the left is belonged to The Straits Settlements and on the right represented the "Federated Malay States" (FMS).

The shield of the Straits Settlements comprises symbols that represented the territories of that of Singapore, Melaka (Malacca), Pulau Pinang (Penang) and Lubuan, whereas the colours on the shield of the FMS were formed by the colours that represented the states of Selangor, Pahang, Perak and Negri Sembilan.

The time-table of the train services provided by the KTM.

Much to my surprise that the alighting platform of the railway is not a restricted zone as compared to the departing platform.

That the eatery right next to the alighting platform has always been a hit with those newly-arrived and the locals (was told this place sells one of the best "nasi ayam penyet").

Unfortunately, with the relocation of the operation of the railway station is being confirmed, I wonder if the famed "nasi ayam penyet" will be relocated together with this immigration facilities to Woodlands?

FOR MORE PICTURES OF TANJONG PAGAR KTM STATION, PLEASE CLICK HERE!!