Introduction - Basin Bridge Junction

Basin Bridge Junction is an instantly recognizable name to the fans or enthusiasts of Indian Railways. However, let me provide a brief introduction here about Basin Bridge.

Basin Bridge Junction, or BBQ, as it is affectionately referred to by the railfans hailing from or familiar with Madras, is the gateway to Madras Central (now Chennai Central) station. Railfans regard it as the ultimate railfanning destination in Madras, while others might know of it as a place where all inbound trains are stopped to be assigned a platform in the busy Central station a kilometre away. Yours truly certainly does not regard this place as just another godforsaken wayside station that stops or slows down all passing trains. For me, this is where I would love to spend an early morning, before the sun unleashes what is known as the Madras heat, or late evening, when the same sun calls it quits for the day. During these times of the day, BBQ is at its busiest, coinciding with the early morning and late evening arrivals and departures at Central. However, I am told that the busy period is now extended throughout the day, for the travelling needs of a city that has crossed the 8-million souls mark are relentlessly increasing.

BBQ is ideally located at the southern end of the diamond junction that one encounters right after leaving Central. Also, since it is the gateway to Central, it has 7 platforms with almost continuous occupancy, a big and bigger AC loco trip shed (electric engine, for the non-technical person), and one of the country's largest passenger coach care facilities, all located cheek-by-jowl to the mainlines. Hence, the railfan's dream come true! One can get lost in here all day, and night too, if one is so brave :).

In future, I am planning a BBQ-only trip, walking down from Central and exploring the various components of this busy station, and shall provide reports here. The only problem anticipated is from the security-conscious Railway Police at Basin Bridge, but let me cross that Bridge when I come to it!