Rail connectivity to Thiruvananthapuram by an originating express train from Tiruchi is all set to be established.
The Southern Railway has decided to extend the Tiruchi – Tirunelveli Intercity Express to Thiruvananthapuram with effect from July 15.
The daily Intercity Express will become the lone originating train from Tiruchi to have direct connectivity to the State capital of Kerala.
With the extension of the day-time Intercity Express to Thiruvananthapuram, the Southern Railway administration has now planned to operate two rakes – one from Tiruchi and another from Thiruvananthapuram the same day. The railway administration has revised the timing of the express train consequent to the extension. Railway sources said the Tiruchi – Thiruvananthapuram Intercity Express (Train No. 22627) will leave Tiruchi Junction at 7.05 a.m. and arrive at Thiruvananthapuram at 3.25 p.m.
Similarly, the Thiruvananthapuram – Tiruchi Intercity Express will leave at Thiruvananthapuram Central at 11.55 a.m. and arrive at Tiruchi at 8.15 p.m. In addition to the existing stoppages, the express train will also stop at Valliyur, Nagercoil Town and Kuliturai during its journey lasting a little over eight hours after the extension. Southern Railway has also decided to revise the composition of this train with effect from July 15.
The express train will have one AC chair car, seven second class chair coaches, eight general second class compartments and two luggage-cum-brake van.
The sources said Union Minister Pon. Radhakrishnan is expected to be present at Tiruchi on July 15 during the extension of the express train.
The other trains proceeding to Thiruvananthapuram touching Tiruchi Junction are the Chennai Egmore – Guruvayur - Chennai Egmore Guruvayur Express and the Chennai Egmore – Thiruvananthapuram Ananthapuri Express.
