Discover Jerin George, the remarkable individual who boasts an unbroken record of never missing a train.
In the world of trainspotting, few names resonate as much as that of Jerin George. His passion for capturing the beauty of India's railway system began in 2007, when he first snapped photos on the New Delhi-Chennai Rajdhani Express. Since then, Jerin has embarked on numerous journeys, each one offering an unpredictable adventure and a unique sighting.
Jerin's preference for train travel is clear: he prefers the sleeper class, finding it a more enjoyable experience. His dedication to the craft is evident in his meticulous routine before every trip, which includes seeking advice from someone who's been to the location and booking tickets well in advance.
One of Jerin's most memorable moments came in 2019, when he chased the New Jalpaiguri Shatabdi Express, the fastest diesel-powered train in India at the time. However, his pursuit of the dying breed of ALCo diesel engines has led him to some of India's most remote locations, including West Bengal, where he traveled the farthest to capture a train.
For Jerin, the thrill of trainspotting is not just about capturing the perfect photo. It's about the camaraderie that forms between strangers on trains, the shared stories, and the timeless joy of dancing with history before the rails are forever transformed. He values every sighting of the ALCo diesel engines, which are becoming rarer, and cherishes the distinctive sound they produce.
One such memorable experience was in 2017, when Jerin made a solo trip to Suravali station in Goa to see the ALCo diesel engines. Despite being disappointed that most trains were not hauled by them, he did manage to see the Howrah-Vasco Amaravati Express with two vintage ALCo locomotives.
For trainspotting enthusiasts, India offers a diverse array of scenic train routes and picturesque stations. Among the most recommended are the Delhi to Srinagar Vande Bharat Express, the Konkan Railway, the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, the Kangra Valley Railway, and the Mandovi Express.
The Delhi to Srinagar Vande Bharat Express offers breathtaking views of the Himalayas, passing through fertile plains, Punjab, and into the Kashmir Valley. It features the world's tallest railway bridge over the Chenab River and India's longest rail tunnel.
The Konkan Railway, starting from Mangalore, passes through the Western Ghats, providing stunning views of dense forests, misty weather, and coastal landscapes.
The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, known for its narrow gauge track, runs along cliffs, loops at Batasia Loop, and offers magnificent views of the Kanchenjunga mountain range.
The Kangra Valley Railway snakes through the lower Himalayas, offering scenic views of the Dhauladhar range, pine forests, and riverside villages.
The Mandovi Express runs through the Western Ghats, offering fresh air, dense forests, and misty scenic views, particularly during the monsoon.
Some of the most picturesque train stations in India include Muthalamada Station, known for its beautiful banyan trees lining both sides of the track, Melattur Station, though trains are now rarely seen there due to low patronage, and Rameshwaram Station, accessible via the Pamban Rail Bridge, connecting mainland India to Rameshwaram Island, offering a unique experience.
These locations combine natural beauty with the thrill of spotting trains in historic and scenic settings, making them ideal for trainspotting enthusiasts. For Jerin George, they are not just destinations, but chapters in his ongoing dance with history on the rails of India.
In Jerin's diverse travel experiences, he also delves into home-and-garden and lifestyle pursuits. He transformed a dilapidated train wagon into a cozy home, showcasing his unique style and passion for all things railway.
Between his trainspotting adventures, Jerin also finds time for sports. He often participates in marathon runs along the tracks, cherishing the harmony between his love for running and the rhythm of the trains.
