“Can you imagine Paris’ Gare du Nord nestled in Kuala Lumpur?” That’s how one traveler described the Kuala Lumpur Railway Station. Today, we are standing before this architectural marvel, also known as Gold Station.
Completed in 1917, the Kuala Lumpur Railway Station replaced an older station. Arthur Benison Hubback designed it. He was a British architect. The station showcases a unique Anglo-Asian design.
Before this grand structure, two other stations served Kuala Lumpur. The first, called Resident Station, was near the Selangor Club. It connected Kuala Lumpur to Klang in 1886. The second, Sultan Street Station, was built in 1892.
Arthur Benison Hubback incorporated Neo-Moorish and Indo-Saracenic styles. These styles were popular then. You can see similar designs in the Sultan Abdul Samad Building and Jamek Mosque.
The Kuala Lumpur Railway Station cost $23,000 to build. It officially opened in August 1910. After the Resident Station closed, this became Kuala Lumpur’s main station. The Station Hotel, later the Heritage Station Hotel, was part of the station. It had 170 rooms.
In 2001, Kuala Lumpur Sentral took over most of its duties. Now, the Kuala Lumpur Railway Station serves mainly commuter trains. Intercity trains pass through but don’t stop. The Heritage Station Hotel closed in 2011.
Leading up to Malaysia’s 50th independence day, old railway equipment was moved here. It reopened as a railway museum in 2007. There were plans to make it a cultural center.
The station has seen many renovations. In 1986, the interior was modernized. The exterior was preserved. An extension was added to the south wing. This added two more chhatris, bringing the total to eight.
When KTM Komuter services started in 1995, ticket counters were added. After 2001, some intercity facilities were removed. Limited intercity services returned in 2009 as an ETS stop.
The Kuala Lumpur Railway Station has three platforms. They serve four railway tracks. Platforms 1 and 4 are side platforms. Platforms 2 and 3 form an island platform.
Originally, all platforms were elevated but lower than train floors. Tunnels connected them. The 1986 renovation raised the side platforms. In 2009, platforms 2 and 3 were also raised.
Until 2001, platforms 1 and 4 served intercity trains. After 2001, they were used for goods transfer. In 2011, they were repurposed for ETS trains. Platforms 2 and 3 served intercity trains. In 1995, they were used for Komuter services.
When completed, the station had a main building and three platforms. The main building features a mix of Western and Mughal styles. Horseshoe and ogee arches dominate the design. Large chhatris adorn the corners.
The platforms are covered by steel-framed shelters. The roofs were once glazed. Walls surround the platforms. Underground passageways connect the platforms to the main building.
The 1986 extension has a more modern design. It includes concrete pillars and a latticed roof. An elevated walkway connects it to the Dayabumi Complex.
In 2014, Architectural Digest listed Kuala Lumpur Railway Station as one of the world’s most beautiful train stations. It stands as a testament to Kuala Lumpur’s rich history.
The station is located on Jalan Sultan Hishamuddin. Nearby, you’ll find the Railway Administration Building, National Mosque, and Dayabumi Complex. The Pasar Seni station is also close by. The Kuala Lumpur Railway Station remains a cherished landmark. It reminds us of Malaysia’s journey through time. Take a moment to appreciate its beauty and historical significance.