Title: Introducing Jerin George, the Consistent Commuter Who Always Catches His Trains
The world of trainspotting, or railfanning as it's known in India, is a captivating realm that intertwines the country's rich railway heritage with its evolving transportation landscape. One such dedicated enthusiast is Jerin George, whose fascination with trains was sparked at a young age by childhood rail journeys between Chennai and Cochin, as well as the British Railway series Thomas the Tank Engine.
Jerin's trainspotting journey began in earnest in 2007, when he had his first trainspotting experience aboard the New Delhi-Chennai Rajdhani Express. Since then, he has captured the essence of India's railways through a lens, starting with a small camera gifted by his father.
India's railways have been central to transportation and development since the colonial period, creating a vast network with iconic steam and diesel locomotives. For trainspotters like Jerin, this legacy is celebrated by tracking locomotives on scenic and heritage routes, such as the Trichy-Rameshwaram section, known for the Pamban Rail Bridge, or the Muthalamada and Melattur stations, noted for their natural beauty and lower footfall. These routes and stations offer a nostalgic window into India’s railway past.
As Indian Railways modernizes, with the introduction of high-speed and modern trains, the culture of railfanning has evolved. Enthusiasts like Jerin express concern over the fading presence of vintage engines amidst rapid modernization. For many, railfanning is not only a hobby but a way to preserve a disappearing piece of history before India’s rail infrastructure becomes fully modernized.
In recent years, trainspotting culture has embraced digital forms, with enthusiasts sharing their experiences widely via social media platforms like Instagram and YouTube. Online communities and channels keep this culture alive by creating documentaries, sharing rare footage, and discussing railway history.
Jerin's own trainspotting adventures have taken him far and wide, from Suravali (also known as Seraulim), a station in Goa, to the bustling streets of West Bengal to chase the New Jalpaiguri Shatabdi Express. He has travelled as far as the Konkan Railway route, which he recommends as a must-see for every railfan, and the Trichy-Rameshwaram section, where he waited patiently for the vintage ALCo locomotives on the Howrah-Vasco Amaravati Express.
Jerin values the visual diversity of the liveries on diesel locomotives and has a soft spot for the WDM2 engine, which he often saw on the Chennai-Trivandrum Mail. He recommends seeking advice from someone who has been to the location before embarking on a trainspotting trip for safety reasons.
The camaraderie that forms between strangers on trains is another aspect Jerin cherishes. He fondly recalls meeting fellow travelers from France on a journey between Gokarna and Mangalore. For Jerin, the sleeper class offers the most enjoyable train journey experience.
Jerin's passion for railfanning led him to the Railway Workshop at Golden Rock, Trichy, for training, a dream come true for any enthusiast. He has also experienced the unique Double Decker Express between Chennai and Bangalore, and the breathtaking views of the Arabian Sea and Western Ghats on the Konkan Railway route.
In essence, railfanning or trainspotting in India is a nostalgic, preservation-oriented culture deeply connected to the country’s historic and scenic rail lines. It is evolving from a niche offline activity into a vibrant digital community amidst the ongoing transformation of Indian Railways by high-speed and modern trains.
In his travels beyond India, Jerin finds parallels between his railfanning passion and other enthusiast groups. He discovers a similar sense of community and preservation among home-and-garden enthusiasts who nurture and admire the natural beauty of flora and fauna in their personal spaces.
On his days off from following vintage locomotives, Jerin immerses himself in the lifestyle of travel, exploring various destinations around the world. Much like railfanning, travel allows him to learn about different cultures and landscapes, creating lasting memories and capturing the essence of each location through his camera lens.
