In a major relief for passengers from southern Tamil Nadu, the Railway Ministry has approved the introduction of two new weekly train services via Madurai — Mangaluru–Tirunelveli and Mangaluru–Rameswaram. The long-pending demand of people from southern districts has finally been addressed, providing a direct rail link between Tamil Nadu, Mangaluru in Karnataka, and northern parts of Kerala. Railway sources indicated that both services are expected to begin operations from March 11, improving connectivity for passengers, workers, pilgrims, and traders traveling between these regions.
Regions and Key Stations Covered
Tirunelveli, Madurai, Dindigul, Palani, Pollachi, Palakkad, Shoranur, Tirur, Kozhikode, Kannur, Kasaragod, Mangaluru, Rameswaram and several southern Tamil Nadu districts.
Officials stated that the train will halt at about 20 railway stations, including Madurai, benefiting passengers along the route.
Train Schedule and Timings
The Tirunelveli–Mangaluru weekly train will depart Tirunelveli at 3:45 pm every Wednesday and reach Madurai at 5:55 pm before leaving for Mangaluru at 6:00 pm.
The train is scheduled to arrive at Mangaluru Junction at 6:55 am on Thursday.
For the return journey, the train will depart Mangaluru at 1:00 pm on Thursday and reach Tirunelveli at 7:45 am on Friday.
During the return trip, the train will arrive at Madurai at 4:30 pm and depart towards Tirunelveli at 4:35 pm.
Details of Mangaluru–Rameswaram Service
The Mangaluru Central–Rameswaram Express (16621/16622), which was sanctioned in April 2024, is also expected to begin operations soon.
Train number 16622 will depart Mangaluru Central at 7:30 pm on Saturdays and reach Rameswaram at 10:50 am on Sundays.
Train number 16621 will depart Rameswaram at 3:30 pm on Sundays and arrive at Mangaluru Central at 6:55 am the following day.
Additional Stops and Benefits
The Railway Ministry has approved additional halts for the train at Tirur, Udumalpet, and Paramakudi stations.
Once operational, these services will provide a direct rail connection from southern Tamil Nadu to Mangaluru and northern Kerala.
Notably, the Rameswaram–Mangaluru train will become the first direct rail service connecting Mangaluru with northern Kerala through this route.
Railway officials stated that the launch of these trains fulfills a long-standing demand from residents of southern districts and will significantly enhance regional rail connectivity.
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