A new superfast express train between Chennai-Madurai
Posted on: 04/Jan/2019 3:54:32 PM
A new superfast express train, named Tejas, is set to be operated soon between Chennai and Madurai. The new train is being introduced after a long gap of almost 42 years. The official informed that the travel time between Madurai to Chennai will be just 7 hours.
Presently, there are more than 20 trains operated from the southern districts to Chennai via Madurai. Thousands of passengers leave for Chennai from Madurai every day.
The express train, ‘Vaigai Express’ was introduced in the year 1977 from Madurai to Chennai departing during the noon session. Earlier, the rain ‘Pandian Express’ was being run from several years before during the night session.
Still, there has been a trend of increasing number of passengers who have to wait without tickets. In order as a solution for this demand, The Southern Railway Passengers’ Welfare Association and other organization, and Members of Parliament, and various other organizations put up a demand to the central Railway Ministry to introduce a day-time superfast express from Madurai to Chennai.
Taking up this demand, the central ministry of railways has taken initiative to introduce a superfast train ‘Tejas’, to run during the day-time from Madurai to Chennai. The 1st train will be flagged off by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi from Madurai.
The Foundation Ceremony for the construction of AIIMS hospital in Madurai is scheduled to be organised on 28th January. Madurai region Railway officials informed that the Prime Minister will flag off ‘Tejas’ express from Madurai to Chennai.
There will be 10 coaches in this train. Adjacent to the engine and at the rear, 2 coaches are reserved for guards. The first 4 coaches are deluxe-furnished and meant for the travel of VIPs and other senior officials. The remaining 4 coaches are meant of the normal passenger travel.1st 4 coaches are designed as ‘Executive coaches’ for the travel 48 passengers can travel in each of these 4 coaches. Apart from automatic doors and Television being provided in these coaches, high-quality catering services would also be available.
The General Secretary of the Southern Railway Passengers’ Association, K. Padmanabhan, explained in this regard:
‘Tejas superfast express trains are already being operated in Goa and Rajasthan. We demanded several times to operate a similar train between Madurai and Chennai. At last, the approval has been given now!
This train will depart from Chennai at 6.30 AM and reach Madurai at 1.30 PM. It will start from Madurai at 2.30 PM and reach Chennai at 9.30 PM. There would be no services every Thursday. As it has been decided to cover the distance within 7 hours, the train is scheduled to stop only at Trichy and Villupuram Railway Stations.
With the introduction of Tejas, the undue rush in Pandian Express and other express trains from the southern districts would reduce substantially.’
Another official explained that the timetable for operating Tejas is under preparation. The details of ticket fare, the facilities in the train, and other concessions will be known shortly. This will be uploaded online. It has been planned to have the flag-off ceremony by the Prime Minister as he is scheduled to visit Madurai.
