Penang Hill Railway

Thursday, May 17 2012

WITH a history dating back to Oct 21, 1923, the Penang Hill funicular railway is one of Penang’s most famous landmarks. The total journey up the hill takes about half an hour, with passengers changing cars at the Middle Station. The journey up the incline is surrounded lush greenery and provides a splendid view of the island – a defining feature of the railway.

This article (“Preserving an engineering classic", theSun, 23.07.09) explains the historical value of the railway further.

“Of course, in its historical context, the Penang Hill funicular railway is said to be one of the country’s most valuable heritage assets. An engineering classic, it is the only one of its kind left in Asia. (The funicular system on Victoria Peak, Hongkong, was rebuilt from scratch with modern infrastructure in 1989). The construction, done way back in 1923, is still considered a major feat”.

Meanwhile, an article published in 1934, enlightens why the railway system should be considered an engineering classic.

"The track is of only one set of rails instead of the usual two, and cars pass at a loop at the centre of each section, the cable passing over pulleys inclined at an angle. Every precaution has been taken to ensure absolute safety, the breaking and signal systems being interlocked and of very efficient types, and every possible source of trouble has been anticipated and overcome.

"The engine houses are at the top of each section, and each contains a 75 h.p. motor, running at 300 revolutions per minute. Breaks are provided to come into automatic operation in the event of engine failure. The steel cable, 1¼in. in diameter and weighing 11 lbs. to the yard, is wound over two driving sheaves, each set weighing 17 tons and fixed on steel shafts nearly a foot in diameter. The breaking strain of the cable is 75 tons, and the car is carried upwards at a speed of 4 miles per hour". (Cuthbert Allison)

Recently, this landmark caused a stir when a planned overhaul of the whole railway system was opposed by many quarters, especially from hill residents and heritage groups who state that the overhaul would destroy its grand legacy. Initially put on hold, the overhaul is now set to go. Read here

Reference