Train stations are usually seen as places of departure and arrival, full of hurried passengers focused only on getting somewhere. But for a small, passionate group known as trainspotters or railfans, these platforms are far more than stopovers—they're destinations in themselves. These enthusiasts can often be spotted with notebooks or cameras, patiently watching and recording trains as they pass. What may seem like monotony to most is, for them, a source of excitement and wonder. We spoke with Jerin George, a dedicated trainspotter, about his unique passion and the many journeys he's taken while chasing trains across India. In a world rushing toward the future, Jerin’s trainspotting offers a bridge to the past, preserving moments of quiet magic before the rails are forever transformed.
For Jerin George, the fascination with trains began early. “It all started with the British Railway series Thomas the Tank Engine. It was one of my favourite shows as a kid,” he said. But what truly sparked his curiosity were the frequent rail journeys between Chennai and Cochin during his childhood. “Those trips made me eager to know more about the Indian Railways. So I decided to start capturing pictures of trains.”
His first foray into trainspotting began with a small camera gifted by his father. “Sadly, neither the camera nor the pictures exist today,” he recalled. One of his earliest vivid memories is from the summer of 2007, aboard the New Delhi–Chennai Rajdhani Express. “I boarded with the intention of experiencing the luxury of the Rajdhani,” George said. “But the entire time, I was busy clicking pictures of locomotives—diesel, electric, whatever passed by.”
He remembers photographing lone locos standing silently on sidings, while others zipped past with express trains bound for the capital. “By the time the journey ended in Chennai, I realised I hadn’t actually experienced the Rajdhani itself—just taken hundreds of blurred photos!” What first caught his attention was the variety of liveries—distinctive colour schemes—on the diesel locomotives. “Every loco shed has its own livery, and we railfans even have our own nicknames for them,” he explained. That visual diversity became an early anchor for a passion that would only grow stronger with time.
Before heading out on any trainspotting trip, Jerin George follows a set routine. “The first thing I do is get advice from someone who’s already been to that location,” he says. Safety comes first—especially when carrying expensive camera equipment. Once a location is deemed safe, the next step is ticket booking. While he sometimes opts for AC class, sleeper class is his preferred choice. “That’s how you really enjoy the journey,” he adds.
After that, it’s all about finding the best vantage points. George and his fellow railfans study maps and directions to locate ideal trainspotting spots.
When it comes to gear, Jerin has seen the tools evolve. “Most of us started with point-and-shoot cameras—they're perfect for catching trains from a distance and identifying the locomotives early,” he explains. But times have changed. Today, many railfans rely on mobile phones with powerful zoom lenses, though Jerin prefers caution. “I mostly avoid using my mobile camera—it can be easily snatched. I stick to my GoPro for long journeys and a point-and-shoot for photos.”
Trainspotting also comes with its fair share of unpredictable moments—not always involving trains. “Once on the Mandovi Express, a monkey snatched my khichdi from the platform seat while I was adjusting my camera,” he recalls. “I didn’t know whether to continue recording or chase the monkey to get my food back!”
In the sweltering summer of 2017, Jerin George was on a family vacation in Goa when his trainspotting instincts kicked in. He made a solo trip to Suravali (also known as Seraulim), a quiet little station just outside Madgaon known for its variety of high-speed trains.
“It’s a beautiful station—serene, but full of life when the trains thunder past,” Jerin recalled. However, that day left him a bit disappointed. Despite seeing several trains, none were hauled by the ALCo diesel engines—the older models famous for their deep chug and distinctive horns. “Most of the trains were EMDs, which are much more reliable for Indian Railways, but they lack the sound and soul of the ALCos,” he said.
Determined not to leave Goa without hearing that unmistakable chug, Jerin made his way to Kulem station. There, he waited to spot the Howrah–Vasco Amaravati Express, which was still hauled by the vintage ALCo locomotives. “It finally arrived—with two beautiful ALCos chugging their heart out. I must have taken dozens of pictures,” he said. “I didn’t regret going the extra mile. These engines are a dying breed, and every sighting feels like a gift.”
“My all-time favourite engine has to be the WDM2, which used to commonly haul the Chennai–Trivandrum Mail,” Jerin shared nostalgically. “On almost every trip to Kerala, I’d go right up to the front of the train to watch the engine change from electric to diesel—usually the WDM2, which was originally built in Pennsylvania!” Sadly, those locomotives no longer exist, adding to the bittersweetness of his passion.
Jerin’s love for trainspotting has taken him far beyond his hometown. “The farthest I’ve travelled to capture a train was West Bengal,” he revealed. In 2019, he chased the New Jalpaiguri Shatabdi Express, then the fastest diesel-powered train in India. “It was the last stretch before electrification took over, and I wanted to witness it with my own eyes.”
Unfortunately, a delay on one of his connecting trains foiled the attempt. “I missed it—but that’s part of the chase,” Jerin said with a shrug. For him, the joy lies not just in the perfect capture, but in the journey and the anticipation that come with it.
George recalls his most memorable train journey aboard the Mandovi Express in 2010. “The journey through Konkan Railways was the most fascinating part,” he said, noting that the train is also known as the “food king” for its excellent catering service.
He also fondly remembers an unreserved train trip between Tiruchirapalli and Karaikudi, where the changing landscape and glimpses of rural life amazed the city boy. Jerin appreciates the camaraderie that forms between strangers on trains. “On a journey between Gokarna and Mangalore, I met a few travellers from France, and we spent the time sharing our rail stories,” he shared.
Another highlight was a high-speed trip on the Double Decker Express between Chennai and Bangalore. “It was a unique experience to watch the world pass by from the lower deck,” Jerin said.
One of his best experiences was visiting the Railway Workshop at Golden Rock, Trichy, for training. “It was a dream come true to see a variety of locomotives and coaches undergoing maintenance,” he added.
George recommends several train routes and stations every railfan should experience at least once. “I love the Konkan Railway route starting from Mangalore and ending near Mumbai. One can spot the Arabian Sea on one side and the mighty Western Ghats on the other. It is every railfan's dream to do this beautiful section at least once in their lifetime,” he said. One unique feature of this route is the Roll-On-Roll-Off service, which allows trucks to travel on trains, helping truckers save fuel.
Another favorite train route for George is the Trichy-Rameshwaram section, which passes through diverse landscapes. “The most fascinating part is the Pamban Rail Bridge, connecting mainland India with Rameshwaram Island,” he explained.
When it comes to train stations, George highlights Muthalamada on the Tamil Nadu-Kerala border. “The banyan trees on either side of the track bring enormous beauty to the station. Spotting trains here is an awesome experience.” He also appreciates the scenic Melattur station on the Shoranur-Nilambur line. Though small and without a regular stoppage, it made headlines during the lockdown for being one of the most beautiful stations. Unfortunately, trains are now rarely seen here as Indian Railways has reduced services due to low patronage.
As India races toward the future with gleaming bullet trains and sleek high-speed rails, the timeless joy of trainspotting—capturing the echoes of vintage locomotives—stands at a crossroads. Amidst the roar of progress, will the quiet thrill of watching old engines chug by, and the art of preserving their stories, fade like distant whistles on the wind? For many, it’s not just a hobby, but a poetic dance with history before the rails are forever transformed. For rail enthusiasts, capturing the rumble of vintage engines is more than a hobby—it’s preserving a disappearing piece of history before modernization transforms the rails forever.
