Station

Gazing upon Kuala Lumpur Railway Station, have you ever wondered about the ghosts of journeys past? This magnificent station, a true architectural gem, stands as a testament to a bygone era. Kuala Lumpur Railway Station first opened its doors in 1910, replacing an older station on the same site. It served as the city’s main railway hub for the Federated Malay States Railways and its successor, Keretapi Tanah Melayu. Kuala Lumpur Railway Station played this vital role until 2001 when Kuala Lumpur Sentral took over. Even today, the station’s unique blend of Eastern and Western architectural styles captivates visitors. The station stands proudly on Jalan Sultan Hishamuddin, a road formerly known as Victory Avenue. Interestingly, this road was once a part of Damansara Road. Close by, you’ll find the Railway Administration Building, a structure mirroring the station’s architectural splendor, as well as the National Mosque and Dayabumi Complex. A short walk across the Klang River brings you to Pasar Seni station, just 400 meters away. Designed by Arthur Benison Hubback, the station showcases the distinctive “Neo-Moorish/Mughal/Indo-Saracenic/Neo-Saracenic” style popular at the time. Hubback also designed other notable landmarks in Kuala Lumpur, such as the Sultan Abdul Samad Building, the Old City Hall, and the Jamek Mosque. Kuala Lumpur Railway Station initially boasted a grand railway hotel, the Station Hotel, later renamed the Heritage Station Hotel. This hotel, with 170 rooms and an elegant lobby, occupied the northern parts of the station. Sadly, after a period of declining patronage and mismanaged renovations, the hotel closed its doors in 2011. Today, Kuala Lumpur Railway Station continues to serve as a stop for Komuter and goods services. Although intercity trains still pass by, they no longer stop here. The station has witnessed many changes over the years, including a significant refurbishment in 1986 that added a south wing extension and a new frontal façade for the north wing. These additions, while modernizing the station, maintained its distinctive architectural charm. Inside, you’ll find three platforms serving four railway tracks. The platforms have undergone several renovations, including raising the original island platform in 2009 to accommodate modern trains. The station’s main hall even houses a railway museum, showcasing the rich history of the railway in Malaysia. Kuala Lumpur Railway Station remains a poignant symbol of the city’s rich railway heritage. Its architectural grandeur continues to enchant, transporting us back to a time of elegant travel and grand departures.