It’s a joyride
ALL of us have memorable experiences on trains. I still remember my train journey in Andhra Pradesh, India last year, where I hopped on the Kirandul Express, which took me from Visakhapatanam to Araku Valley, a hill station 900m above sea level.
I sat in a third- class train coach and enjoyed the journey as the speedy train took me through 58 tunnels and 84 bridges surrounded by lush greenery, valleys and rice plantations. To complete the journey were friendly chai wallahs ( tea vendors) and fruit sellers who sold their produce on board the train. What a great way to remember my train experience in India!
Trains are designed to ferry passengers and cargo from one point to another. There are different types of trains, including atmospheric railways, monorails and high- speed railways ( bullet trains). Have you travelled on the KL Monorail line, Ampang and Kelana Jaya LRT or Keretapi Tanah Melayu ( KTM) trains? If you haven’t, it’s something not to be missed!
It was reported in The Star last week that in 2026, Malaysia is expected to have its very first High Speed Rail ( HSR) service. With the latest offering, travel time between Kuala Lumpur and Singapore on the HSR is estimated to be just 90 minutes! The HSR service will comprise eight stops, including Kuala Lumpur, Seremban, Ayer Keroh, Batu Pahat, Iskandar Puteri and Jurong East in Singapore. Doesn’t that sound exciting?
Recently, we asked kids to send in letters on the topic, My Dream Train. Let’s hear what they have to say.
“I will design a bullet train from Penang to Johor. It will take only one and a half hours to reach Johor,” writes 11.
T. Ameresh Kriya,
10, writes: “I love trains because it’s a quick way to travel to different places. My dream train will enable me to trav-
Maya Zara Murphy,
el across Malaysia at high speed.”
10, says: “Trains are fast and fun. Plus, the air- conditioning in each compartment is nice and cooling. Trains can take people to different places conveniently. They have large windows which enable passengers to enjoy the view.
“I want to design a train that’s colourful, futuristic and fast. My dream train will travel up to high mountains,” says eight.
“My dream train will resemble Thomas The Train,” says
six. “I wish to design a train with comfortable seating, good air- conditioning and travels at fast speed,” says 10.
Sibling seven, says: “I want to design a toy train for children. The train can ferry children around recreational centres and parks.”
Siti Safiyyah Tay, Nafisah Tay, Siti Latifah Tay, Siti Lara Alisha Colin, Erin Sonia Colin, Chandran ITEM: – By Sheela
Most people love to snack at the movies or while watching TV. What do you like to munch at the movies? Do you enjoy crisps or popcorn? At home, do you prefer to snack on chocolates, pizza, crackers or fruits? Share your favourite snacks with Starchild.
All letters must carry your full name, age ( open to children aged 12 and below), gender, e- mail, phone number and address.
Please write your name behind the drawing and the topic,
on the envelope. All letters must reach us by Send your letters to: Starchild, c/ o Star2 Star Media Group Bhd Menara Star 15, Jalan 16/ 11 46350 Petaling Jaya, Selangor
You can also e- mail your contributions to star2@ thestar. com. my. Please put “STARCHILD” in the subject line of your e- mail. Scanned drawings should be in jpeg format, with a resolution of 200 dpi.
TV Munchies, Movie/ Aug 19.