Saturday, May 28, 2011

THE "NEW TRAIN" OF BORNEO

On the way to Beaufort Wetland 2 days ago, I spotted this new train of Sabah State Railway (formally known as North Borneo Railway) on it's way to Beaufort from Tanjung Aru. All train services were suspended in 2005 when the upgrading work on the railroad began. It is now finally back in operation with "new train" after a long break of about six years.                                                       
The Sabah State Railway is now using two locomotive Diesel Multiple Units (DMU) which have a capacity of 210 passengers each. It is indeed a good news as the public can enjoy this historical route again which started some 100 years ago.

The histroy of the Borneo train began in 1896 when the British started to construct the railroad. The whole route of 193 kms from Kota Kinabalu (formally known as Jesselton) to Melalap via Papar, Beaufort and Tenom was operational in 1905. 
                            
File picture of the "Steam Engine Train" in the early years.

The popular North Borneo Railway tour package from Tanjung Aru station to Papar, featuring a British Vulcan steam locomotive, was also suspended in 2005. I was told that this tour would be back soon in July this year. 
File picture: Onboard the North Borneo Railway coach.

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