Ever since KTM stops its operation from Tanjung Pagar Station, I wish I could trek along the railway track from Tanjung Pagar to Woodlands before the authority transformed them into development. When I received news saying that Minister of State for MOM and MND, BG Tan Chuan Jin is planning to walk along the railway track, I was jubilated and decided to join him.
It was on Saturday early morning, 9 Jul 2011, BG Tan and at group of people probably 50 of us including me started off to walk from Silat Walk since Tanjung Pagar Station is closed to public.
Saturday, 9th July 2011:
6:30am - Started off our journey from Silat Walk.
8:00am - Reached Buona Vista.
9:00am - Reached Bukit Timah Railway Station. I noticed the station building is being fenced up and guarded by Certis security. I had my breakfast, 2 slices of bread prepared by my wife. BG Tan is being interviewed by the press who have been waiting at this station.
10:00am- Start walking up north. I took photo with the Minister at Truss Bridge. There were many people at Bukit Timah Station and along Rifle Range Road track. I also noticed there will be a brisk walking activities along the track from Rifle Range Road to Rail Mall hosted by Dr Vivian Balakrishnan.
10:45am - Reached Truss Bridge at Rail Mall. Many people were at the bridge. The car park nearby are also packed. 11:00am - Reached Hillview railway overhead bridge.
11:30am - Reached Bukit Panjang Gate House. My leg starts aching. I decided to rest till my ache subsided. I told BG Tan who met up later that he may proceed without me. I took photo with him again.
12:30pm - I start to walk up north. The sun is shining bright and hot. I met with fellow KTM fan club members at the track over canal behind ten mile junction. They are going south.
1:00pm - Reached Mandai gate house (Stagmont Ring). I noticed part of the rail has been removed. I believe the authority will widen the narrow road. Rest for half an hour. Chat with other fellow trackers. Majority were shocked to hear I start off from Tanjung Pagar.
1:30pm - Start walking up north.
1:50pm - Reached Sungei Kadut gate house. My stomach is now hungry. I had one slice of bread and a can of coke. That is my last water supply for my journey. I should have top up supply at Rail Mall. Rest for half an hour.
2:30pm - Start walking up north. Every step is painful to my legs. I must survive without water till Woodlands. Along the way, I can smell durian. Must have durian trees nearby.
3:00pm - Reached Kranji KTM gate house. The gate house has been demolished and part of the rail track has been removed. I believe the authority will widen the road. I continue my journey with slow pace. It is very tough for me. I need to endure under the hot sun and body ache.
4:00pm - I finally reached Woodlands. End of track where I can no longer proceed (CIQ). I went to nearby food stall to quench my thirst. After some rest, I basically limping to taxi stand to return back home. Reached home at 5pm.
Alhamdulilah. Thank God. I finally fulfilled my wish.
