After 20 years of constant political blackmailing and dilly-dallying, the historic bilateral deal to jointly develop the KTM land was concluded by leaders of Malaysia and Singapore a fortnight week. It was a monumental decision that marked the warming of ties between the two neighbours and the day where Singapore had finally reclaimed our "sovereignty." Along with water and border issues, the presence of KTM tracks in Singapore was a constant reminder of the perpetual threat Malaysia has posed to Singapore socially and politically. It was widely believed that the railway was used by unscrupulous syndicates to smuggle firearms, banned substances and human trafficking and Singapore did not have the power to monitor these illegal proceedings because of the immigration centres.
KTM tracks in Jurong East
KTM Tracks in Tanglin Halt
These sound of chooing trains and the chit-chatter of young kids playing along the tracks will soon be thing of the past. As reported in April, these KTM tracks used to be a playground for many Queenstown residents. Some residents may be excited and happy to see it go while other residents may mull over the prospect of losing another part of their physical memory. Nevertheless, it is undeniable that these KTM tracks have given history and memories to many residents in Queenstown. Tanglin Halt, a district in Queenstown, was named after a former train platform where KTM used to "halt" at that substation, thus giving Tanglin Halt the "Halt." So, let us find out more about the sentiments among Queenstown residents on the impending departure of yet another iconic landmark in our estate!
Eugene, who works as a hawker in Chef: Hainanese Western Food, commented, "Yeah. I guess we will feel weird not hearing the chooing of the train on a regular basis any longer."
Mr Loh, a shop keeper in Mei Ling Street was indifferent, "There's a time for everything. I guess it's time for new developments in Queenstown to make this place vibrant and exciting!"
Jeremy, who used to stay in Blk 99 Commonwealth Crescent and visits his grandmother regularly at Stirling View, mentioned, "This place is so cool. I don't think there is another place in Singapore where we can get so close to the tracks and play with them."
Jeremy, who used to live in Commonwealth Crescent
The green patches of field next to the railway tracks are slated for future developments
It's likely that these colonial bungalows will make way for One North too
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2 comments:
I like your blog! Keep it up! And yes, it's kinda sad to know that our future generation will be seeing a different landscape that we see now. Of course, it's inevitable. Developing and changing langscape. Hiaz, but there's just this little sadness of having to say goodbye to the old
Hi fellow residents of Queenstown, Good evening to one & all,
I have also played along the railway track at the former National Semiconductor factory in Lower Delta Road.Its quite inevitable to erase the childhood memory accumulated more than 50years ago. But, my friends told me to let go. This would help to make way for better things to happen. The vacuum can then be filled with something which the next generation which can be proud to cherish as their neighbourhood.If somebody keep nagging about vanishing "Ïcon", then new landmark is unable to appear in the skyline.The next mile-stone can be exciting, interesting & challenging. It all depends on how you mould it,develop & sustain it as time goes on!
Do not regret anymore! look forward, together we march forward as a cohesive & cooperative people. Over to you readers, now. I'm signing off.
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