The Palakkad-Pollachi line that links Kerala and Tamil Nadu has been an integral part of travel, commerce, pilgrimage and culture for 75 years.

The Railways have come up with a short film to depict the historical background and social relevance of the 54.72 km section that was reconstructed and reopened to rail traffic.

Past grandeur

Chugging through Centuries , the 20-minute documentary, also highlights the past grandeur of the Palakkad-Pollachi section that remains endearingly nostalgic for many. The stretch that remained out of bounds for gauge conversion since December 10, 2008, was thrown open again on November 15, 2015.

Besides project documentation of photographs and video clips, the short film was developed from a collection of photos and videos on the line from the Rail Museum at Tiruchirappalli and other sources.

Developed in fictional mode, the documentary is directed by newcomer Abhijith Menon.

The potential of sound has been made full use of in the short film.

The relevance of the rail line as a pilgrimage route connecting Palani, Madurai, Rameswaram, Tiruchendur, Guruvayur and even Kollur Mookambika at Mangaluru has been included.

Unique features

The unique features of stations along the rail line have been captured beautifully. The documentary also provides details of reconstruction of the line.

The stations have served as shooting locations in a number of south Indian and Bollywood films. The short film was produced by Palakkad Division of Southern Railway in association with the Construction Organization, Chennai.

Creating awareness

Additional Divisional Railway Manager Mohan A. Menon said the aim of the documentary was not only to chronicle the history of the railway line, but also to create awareness among rail users.

The first screening of the documentary was inaugurated by film-maker Anil Radhakrishnan Menon recently in the presence of director M. G. Sasi, Mr. Menon and top Railway officials.