I knew there was already an agreement between Singapore and Malaysia about the Tanjong Pagar Railway Station, but didn’t realize until the night itself when the last train was scheduled to leave for Malaysia at 11pm on 30th June 2011. I quickly rushed to go there at about 10.20pm and got there about 15-20 minutes before the scheduled departure time. The station was packed with people wanting to witness this historical and sentimental moment.
I first took the train from this station to Johor Baru in 2000. My wife (then a girlfriend) and I went to Johor Baru. We went to a shopping mall near the train station in Johor Bahru and ended up buying ribbons that would be used for our wedding invitation card.
So, enjoy the photos of the last moments before the train left and soon after it left.
Seconds from leaving the station, the headlight was switched on and I was down on the rail track, ready to shoot.
And it’s moving.
If you read the Straits Times today, you will know that the person who drove the last train out of Tanjong Pagar station was the Sultan of Johor Bahru, His Royal Highness, Sultan Ibrahim Iskandar of Johor. It’s not really clear, but you can see him on the driving seat in the photo below.
And it’s gone with people waving good bye on the platform.
That’s the sign you see when the train enters the Tanjong Pagar station, SINGAPURA.
And now, you can walk on the track.
The Custom counters before you board the train, the Red and Green lanes.
In case you ask, there will still be trains serving Singapore – Malaysia route. The station is now moved to Woodlands. north of Singapore. Who knows they will extend all the way to China one day. Let’s work together guys to make it happen.
All photos shot with Leica M9 and Zeiss 50mm Planar ZM. The lighting was not very bright, so I shot at f/2 and high ISO. Mostly at ISO 2000.
Today, is 2nd of July. Second last day before the end of the voting period for Singapore Blog Awards 2011. If you are new here, this blog has been nominated as one of the 10 Finalists for Singapore Best Photography Blog 2011. Voting is open until tomorrow, July 3. Anyone can vote, including those outside of Singapore. Just register and vote here. Thank you so much for your time.