Battambang Railway Station – Journey to the Past

Battambang is the second biggest city in Cambodia (next to the capital city of Phnom Penh) and just like any places that underwent urban development in the past, Battambang has been graced with it’s own railway station that connects it to other places in this country such as Poipet and Kampong Thom. However, this railway station has ceased its operation for a few years now but rumor has it that the railway system will be revive this 2013.

A visit to the old railway station of Battambang wasn’t part of our itinerary when we visited Battambang though. Most tourist though gets to see some tracks of the old railway system when they opt to visit the area where the famous “Bamboo Train” ride is being operated. We didn’t opt though to go to the “Bamboo Train” anymore since it didn’t interest me that time because we also had a similar thing in the Philippines. But maybe on my next visit to Battambang, I’ll definitely check it out.

When I asked Hapi (our tuktuk driver) to take us to the old railway station of Battambang he asked why I wanted to see it, “there’s nothing to see there” he said. Indeed there’s nothing but ruins but I’m personally captivated with seeing abandoned places. I’m fascinated with the thought of what it was like when it was still being operated. So off we go…

Hapi, Our Tuktuk Driver

Time stopped at 8:02…

Imagine what it was like…

…to be one of the passengers waiting to board at the station…

…some are eagerly and anxiously waiting for the train to arrive…

…some are on their way out of this place to find a better life somewhere…

…while some are on their way to this place they call home…

…for some, this might be their first train ride…

… and for some, it might be their last…