Alappuzha–Chennai Express: Difference between revisions

What links here Related changes Page information Get shortened URL
Created by WikiCleanerBot
Last edited March 1, 2026
VisualWikitext
>WikiCleanerBot
m v2.04b - Bot T23 CW#558 - Fix errors for CW project (Duplicated reference)
 
No edit summary
 
Line 3: Line 3:
{{Use Indian English|date=May 2020}}
{{Use Indian English|date=May 2020}}
{{Infobox rail service
{{Infobox rail service
| box_width  = 25em
| box_width  = 45em
| name        =  
| name        = MGR Chennai Central Alappuzha Superfast Express
| logo        =
| logo        =
| logo_width  =
| logo_width  =
| image      = Alleppy_express_cropped_2014-06-20_23-28.JPG
| image      = Alleppy_express_cropped_2014-06-20_23-28.JPG
| image_width =
| image_width =480px
| caption    = Alleppey Express
| caption    = MGR Chennai Central Alleppey Superfast Express
| type        = Superfast
| type        = Superfast
| status      = Operating
| status      = Operating
Line 16: Line 16:
| last        =
| last        =
| operator    = [[Southern Railway zone]]
| operator    = [[Southern Railway zone]]
| formeroperator=
| formeroperator= South Indian Railway
| ridership  =
| ridership  =Southern Railway
| start      = {{rws|Alappuzha}}
| start      = {{stnlnk|Alappuzha}}
| stops      = 22
| stops      = 23
| end        = {{rws|Chennai Central}}
| end        = {{stnlnk|MGR Chennai Central}}
| distance    = {{convert|746|km|abbr=on}}
| distance    = {{convert|747|km|abbr=on}}
| journeytime = 13 hours, 35 minutes
| journeytime = 13 hours, 40 minutes
| frequency  = Daily
| frequency  = Daily
| class      = AC 1st, AC 2 Tier, AC 3 Tier, Sleeper Class, Unreserved, SLR
| class      = AC 1st cum AC 2 Tier, AC 3 Tier, Sleeper class, Unreserved, SLR
| access      =
| access      = -
| seating    = Indian Rail standard
| seating    = Yes
| sleeping    = yes
| sleeping    = yes
| autorack    =
| autorack    =YES
| catering    = Pantry Car Not Available
| catering    = Pantry car not available
| observation = [[ICF Coaches]]
| observation =  
| entertainment=
| entertainment=
| baggage    = Below the seats
| baggage    = Below the seats
| otherfacilities=
| otherfacilities= Toilets
| stock      = Two
| stock      = [[ LHB coach]]
| gauge      = Broad
| gauge      = Broad
| el          =
| el          = 100%
| speed      = {{convert|65|km/h}}
| speed      = {{convert|65|km/h}}
| map        = [[File:(Chennai–Alleppey) Express route map.png|290px|(Chennai–Alleppey) Express route map]]
| map        = [[File:(Chennai–Alleppey) Express route map.png|290px|(Chennai–Alleppey) Express route map]]
| map_state  =  
| map_state  = KERALA &TAMILNADU
}}
}}


'''Alappuzha (Alleppey)- MGR Chennai Central SF Express''' is a class of Superfast Express train that runs Daily from [[Chennai Central]] to [[Alappuzha]]. It is one of the oldest trains in the [[Southern Railway (India)|Southern Railway]] zone of the [[Indian Railways]] It is one of the prestigious train of Kerala.
'''Alappuzha (Alleppey)–MGR Chennai Central Superfast Express''' is a class of Superfast Express train that runs daily from [[MGR Chennai Central]] to [[Alappuzha]]. It is one of the oldest trains in the [[Southern Railway zone|Southern Railway]] zone of the [[Indian Railways]].


==History==
==History==
The train began its life as the 41/42 Madras Central (MAS) - Cochin Terminus (CHTS) Kerala Express on 1 April 1966.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Tables 10-11 - SR - 1977TT|url=https://www.irfca.org/gallery/Heritage/timetables/All_India_1977/All_India_1977_SR/Tables+10-11+-+SR+-+1977TT.JPG.html?|website=www.irfca.org|access-date=2020-05-15}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=chts1|url=https://www.irfca.org/gallery/Heritage/timetables/Miscellaneous_Timetables/chts1.jpg.html?|website=www.irfca.org|access-date=2020-05-17}}</ref> It was one of two new express trains introduced in the budget of [[Panampilly Govinda Menon|Panampilly Govindha Menon]] (though he did not present the budget) for southern railway.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Panampilly Govinda Menon rail budget|url=https://14.139.13.47:8080/jspui/bitstream/10603/168470/4/13_chapter5.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> The other express train being the [[West Coast Express (India)|West Coast Express]]. It was the first dieseled express train to run south of Madras (with an [[Diesel loco shed, Erode|Erode]] [[Indian locomotive class WDM-2|WDM-2]]). The scheduled departure from Cochin harbor terminus was at 08:00 pm and arrived in Madras Central at 10.00 am. The reverse train departed Madras central at 16:00 am and arrived at Cochin harbor terminus at 06:00 am (similar to timings of present-day Thiruvananthapuram -Chennai Express).<ref>{{Cite web|title=Tables 10-11 - SR - 1977TT|url=https://www.irfca.org/gallery/Heritage/timetables/All_India_1977/All_India_1977_SR/Tables+10-11+-+SR+-+1977TT.JPG.html?|website=www.irfca.org|access-date=2020-05-17}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Table 2A - SR - 1977TT|url=https://www.irfca.org/gallery/Heritage/timetables/All_India_1977/All_India_1977_SR/Table+2A+-+SR+-+1977TT.JPG.html?|website=www.irfca.org|access-date=2020-05-17}}</ref> It took much less time to reach Madras than the 19/20 mail (14 Hours vs 15 hours).<ref>{{Cite web|title=brad_60_Apr_p23|url=https://www.irfca.org/gallery/Heritage/timetables/Miscellaneous_Timetables/brad_60_Apr_p23.jpg.html?|website=www.irfca.org|access-date=2020-05-17}}</ref>
The train began its life as the 41/42 Madras Central (MAS)–Cochin Terminus (CHTS) Kerala Express on 1 April 1966.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Tables 10-11–SR – 1977TT|url=https://www.irfca.org/gallery/Heritage/timetables/All_India_1977/All_India_1977_SR/Tables+10-11+-+SR+-+1977TT.JPG.html?|publisher=IRFCA|access-date=2020-05-15}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=chts1|url=https://www.irfca.org/gallery/Heritage/timetables/Miscellaneous_Timetables/chts1.jpg.html?|publisher=IRFCA|access-date=2020-05-17}}</ref> It was one of two new express trains introduced in the budget of [[Panampilly Govinda Menon|Panampilly Govindha Menon]] (though he did not present the budget) for southern railway.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Panampilly Govinda Menon rail budget|url=https://14.139.13.47:8080/jspui/bitstream/10603/168470/4/13_chapter5.pdf}}{{Dead link|date=December 2025 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}</ref> The other express train being the [[West Coast Express (India)|West Coast Express]]. It was the first diesel express train to run south of Madras (with an [[Diesel Loco Shed, Erode|Erode]] [[Indian locomotive class WDM-2|WDM-2]]). The scheduled departure from Cochin harbour terminus was at 08:00 pm and arrived in Madras Central at 10.00 am. The reverse train departed Madras central at 16:00 am and arrived at Cochin harbour terminus at 06:00 am (similar to timings of present-day Thiruvananthapuram -Chennai Express).<ref>{{Cite web|title=Tables 10-11 – SR – 1977TT|url=https://www.irfca.org/gallery/Heritage/timetables/All_India_1977/All_India_1977_SR/Tables+10-11+-+SR+-+1977TT.JPG.html?|publisher=IRFCA|access-date=2020-05-17}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Table 2A – SR – 1977TT|url=https://www.irfca.org/gallery/Heritage/timetables/All_India_1977/All_India_1977_SR/Table+2A+-+SR+-+1977TT.JPG.html?|publisher=IRFCA|access-date=2020-05-17}}</ref> It took much less time to reach Madras than the 19/20 mail (14 Hours vs 15 hours).<ref>{{Cite web|title=brad_60_Apr_p23|url=https://www.irfca.org/gallery/Heritage/timetables/Miscellaneous_Timetables/brad_60_Apr_p23.jpg.html?|publisher=IRFCA|access-date=2020-05-17}}</ref>


Initially, the 41/42 express was to be extended to Thiruvananthapuram in 1978 but instead during 1979, the 19/20 mail was extended.<ref name="chts1 003">{{Cite web|title=chts1 003|url=https://www.irfca.org/gallery/Heritage/timetables/Miscellaneous_Timetables/chts1+003.jpg.html?|website=www.irfca.org|access-date=2020-05-17}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=1979_Madras___Cochin_Abstract|url=https://www.irfca.org/gallery/Heritage/timetables/Miscellaneous_Timetables/1979_Madras___Cochin_Abstract.jpg.html?|website=www.irfca.org|access-date=2020-05-17}}</ref> The 19/20 mail is the predecessor of the now [[Thiruvananthapuram Mail|Thiruvananthapuram - Chennai Central Mail.]] The 41/42 Express became the Cochin Express after its name "The name Kerala Express" was taken over by 125/126 [[Kerala Express|Trivandrum-New Delhi Express]].
Initially, the 41/42 express was to be extended to Thiruvananthapuram in 1978 but instead during 1979, the 19/20 mail was extended.<ref name="chts1 003">{{Cite web|title=chts1 003|url=https://www.irfca.org/gallery/Heritage/timetables/Miscellaneous_Timetables/chts1+003.jpg.html?|publisher=IRFCA|access-date=2020-05-17}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=1979_Madras___Cochin_Abstract|url=https://www.irfca.org/gallery/Heritage/timetables/Miscellaneous_Timetables/1979_Madras___Cochin_Abstract.jpg.html?|publisher=IRFCA|access-date=2020-05-17}}</ref> The 19/20 mail is the predecessor of the now [[Thiruvananthapuram Mail|Thiruvananthapuram–Chennai Central Mail.]] The 41/42 Express became the Cochin Express after its name "Kerala Express" was taken over by 125/126 [[Kerala Express|Thiruvananthapuram–New Delhi Express]].


The rake maintenance was done at Chennai central. The train formerly used to have passenger quotes like [[Ongole railway station|Ongole]] quota, [[Navjeevan Express|Navjivan]] quota, [[Coromandel Express|Coromandel]] quota etc. for long-distance travel from madras central. In the 1980s the train got its stoppage removed from Coimbatore due to infrastructural constrains on the [[Irugur Junction railway station|Irugur]] - [[Coimbatore Junction railway station|CBE]] Line.<ref name="years">{{cite news|last1=V. S. Palaniappan|title=After 30 years, Alleppey express to halt at Coimbatore|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Coimbatore/after-30-years-alleppey-express-to-halt-at-coimbatore/article3447065.ece|accessdate=26 October 2016|work=[[The Hindu]]|date=23 May 2012|location=[[Coimbatore]]}}</ref> By 1982, the timings of the train had been reversed. Departure from Cochin was moved to 04:05 pm and reached Madras at 06:50 in the morning.<ref>{{Cite web|title=chts-mas sl|url=https://www.irfca.org/gallery/Heritage/chts_jimmy/chts-mas+sl.jpg.html?|website=www.irfca.org|access-date=2020-05-17}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=chts-mas sl1|url=https://www.irfca.org/gallery/Heritage/chts_jimmy/chts-mas+sl1.jpg.html?|website=www.irfca.org|access-date=2020-05-17}}</ref> The reverse Train left Madras at 7:00 pm and arrived in Cochin at 10:00 am.<ref>{{Cite web|title=chts1 004|url=https://www.irfca.org/gallery/Heritage/timetables/Miscellaneous_Timetables/chts1+004.jpg.html?|website=www.irfca.org|access-date=2020-05-17}}</ref>
The rake maintenance was done at Chennai Central. The train formerly used to have passenger quotas like {{stnlnk|Ongole}} quota, [[Navjeevan Express|Navjivan]] quota, [[Coromandel Express|Coromandel]] quota etc. for long-distance travel from Madras Central. In the 1980s the train got its stoppage removed from Coimbatore due to infrastructural constrains on the {{stnlnk|Irugur Junction}}–{{stnlnk|Coimbatore Junction}} line.<ref name="years">{{cite news|last1=V. S. Palaniappan|title=After 30 years, Alleppey express to halt at Coimbatore|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Coimbatore/after-30-years-alleppey-express-to-halt-at-coimbatore/article3447065.ece|accessdate=26 October 2016|work=[[The Hindu]]|date=23 May 2012|location=[[Coimbatore]]}}</ref> By 1982, the timings of the train had been reversed. Departure from Cochin was moved to 04:05 pm and was to reach Madras at 06:50 in the morning.<ref>{{Cite web|title=chts-mas sl|url=https://www.irfca.org/gallery/Heritage/chts_jimmy/chts-mas+sl.jpg.html?|publisher=IRFCA|access-date=2020-05-17}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=chts-mas sl1|url=https://www.irfca.org/gallery/Heritage/chts_jimmy/chts-mas+sl1.jpg.html?|publisher=IRFCA|access-date=2020-05-17}}</ref> The reverse Train departure from Madras was at 7:00 pm and arrival in Cochin at 10:00 am.<ref>{{Cite web|title=chts1 004|url=https://www.irfca.org/gallery/Heritage/timetables/Miscellaneous_Timetables/chts1+004.jpg.html?|publisher=IRFCA|access-date=2020-05-17}}</ref>


=== Extension to Alappuzha (1991 - present) ===
=== Extension to Alappuzha (1991–present) ===
During 1991, the historic train bid goodbye to Cochin Terminus as it was extended to the [[Ernakulam–Kayamkulam coastal line|newly inaugurated line]] to Alleppey. It was renumbered 6041/6042 in 1990.<ref name="chts1 003"/><ref>{{Cite web|title=Untitled-1 copy|url=https://www.irfca.org/gallery/Heritage/timetables/Miscellaneous_Timetables/Untitled-1+copy.jpg.html?g2_imageViewsIndex=1|website=www.irfca.org|access-date=2020-05-17}}</ref> In 2004 the train was to be converted to Superfast express category numbered 2681/2682, but due to strong protests, the move was not implemented. It was again renumbered 16041/16042 in 2005.The Government of Kerala, in 2012, has officially asked an extension of this train to [[Kochuveli Railway Station|Vikram Sarabhai Terminal]] in the state capital of [[Thiruvananthapuram]] but the demand was never Materialized and from 23 Sep 2012, the train reentered Coimbatore junction, after nearly a gap of 30 long years after the double line via Irugur was commissioned.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Palaniappan|first=V. s|date=2012-05-23|title=Chennai – Alleppey Express to have Coimbatore halt after 30 years|language=en-IN|work=The Hindu|url=https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-tamilnadu/chennai-alleppey-express-to-have-coimbatore-halt-after-30-years/article3447671.ece|access-date=2020-05-17|issn=0971-751X}}</ref> On 16 Jun 2014, the First Class non AC coaches were removed and have been replaced by a 3A coach.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Fc coaches removed|url=https://forum.irfca.org/threads/fc-removed-from-chennai-alleppey-and-chennai-trivandrum-express.32959/#post-227405|url-status=live}}</ref> The train was upgraded to Superfast express category from 13.7.2014 with new train numbers 22639/22640.<ref>{{Cite web|title=CHANGE IN TRAIN NUMBERS - Railway Enquiry|url=https://indiarailinfo.com/blog/post/1095170|last=Kohilan|first=Subawarana|website=indiarailinfo.com|access-date=2020-05-17}}</ref><ref name="indiarail_sched">{{cite web|title=Train Schedule|url=http://www.indianrail.gov.in/inet_trn_num.html|url-status=dead|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110429193316/http://www.indianrail.gov.in/inet_trn_num.html|archivedate=29 April 2011}}</ref>
During 1991, the historic train bid goodbye to Cochin Terminus as it was extended to the [[Ernakulam–Kayamkulam coastal line|newly inaugurated line]] to Alleppey. It was renumbered 6041/6042 in 1990.<ref name="chts1 003"/><ref>{{Cite web|title=Untitled-1 copy|url=https://www.irfca.org/gallery/Heritage/timetables/Miscellaneous_Timetables/Untitled-1+copy.jpg.html?g2_imageViewsIndex=1|publisher=IRFCA|access-date=2020-05-17}}</ref> In 2004 the train was to be converted to Superfast express category numbered 2681/2682, but due to strong protests, the move was not implemented. It was again renumbered 16041/16042 in 2005.The Government of Kerala, in 2012, has officially asked an extension of this train to [[Kochuveli railway station|Vikram Sarabhai Terminal]] in the state capital of [[Thiruvananthapuram]] but the demand was never materialised and from 23 Sep 2012, the train reentered Coimbatore junction, after nearly a gap of 30 long years after the double line via Irugur was commissioned.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Palaniappan|first=V. s|date=2012-05-23|title=Chennai–Alleppey Express to have Coimbatore halt after 30 years|work=The Hindu|url=https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-tamilnadu/chennai-alleppey-express-to-have-coimbatore-halt-after-30-years/article3447671.ece|access-date=2020-05-17|issn=0971-751X}}</ref> On 16 Jun 2014, the First Class non AC coaches were removed and have been replaced by a 3A coach.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Fc coaches removed|url=https://forum.irfca.org/threads/fc-removed-from-chennai-alleppey-and-chennai-trivandrum-express.32959/#post-227405}}{{Dead link|date=December 2025 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}</ref> The train was upgraded to Superfast express category from 13-07-2014 with new train numbers 22639/22640.<ref>{{Cite web|title=CHANGE IN TRAIN NUMBERS – Railway Enquiry|url=https://indiarailinfo.com/blog/post/1095170|last=Kohilan|first=Subawarana|website=India Rail Info|access-date=2020-05-17}}</ref><ref name="indiarail_sched">{{cite web|title=Train Schedule|url=http://www.indianrail.gov.in/inet_trn_num.html|url-status=dead|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110429193316/http://www.indianrail.gov.in/inet_trn_num.html|archivedate=29 April 2011}}</ref>


The train's assigned number is 22639.The corresponding Chennai Superfast Express runs from Alleppey to Chennai (train number 22640).
The train's assigned number is 22639. The corresponding Chennai Superfast Express runs from Alleppey to Chennai (train number 22640).


==Coach composition ==
==Coach composition ==
The train used to have all classes of accommodation, 1st AC, 2nd AC, 3rd AC, Sleeper Class and General Sitting and it shares its rake with the [[Chennai–Thiruvananthapuram Superfast Express|Chennai-Thiruvananthapuram Express]].
The train used to have all classes of accommodation, 1st AC, 2nd AC, 3rd AC, Sleeper class and General Sitting and now it shares its rake with the [[Chennai–Thiruvananthapuram Superfast Express]]{{citation needed|date=February 2025}}.
{| class="wikitable plainrowheaders unsortable" style="text-align:center"
{| class="wikitable plainrowheaders unsortable" style="text-align:center"
|-
|-
! rowspan="1" scope="col" style="background:#007F0E;" | Loco
! rowspan="1" scope="col" style="background:#007F0E;" | Loco-WAP4 ERODE /ARAKKONAM
! rowspan="1" scope="col" style="background:yellow;" | 1
! rowspan="1" scope="col" style="background:yellow;" | 1
! rowspan="1" scope="col" style="background:orange;" | 2
! rowspan="1" scope="col" style="background:orange;" | 2
! rowspan="1" scope="col" style="background:crimson;" | 3
! rowspan="1" scope="col" style="background:crimson;" | 4
! rowspan="1" scope="col" style="background:crimson;" | 4
! rowspan="1" scope="col" style="background:crimson;" | 5
! rowspan="1" scope="col" style="background:crimson;" | 5
Line 73: Line 72:
! rowspan="1" scope="col" style="background:crimson;" | 11
! rowspan="1" scope="col" style="background:crimson;" | 11
! rowspan="1" scope="col" style="background:crimson;" | 12
! rowspan="1" scope="col" style="background:crimson;" | 12
! rowspan="1" scope="col" style="background:crimson;" | 13
! rowspan="1" scope="col" style="background:#00FFFF;" | 13
! rowspan="1" scope="col" style="background:#00FFFF;" | 14
! rowspan="1" scope="col" style="background:#00FFFF;" | 14
! rowspan="1" scope="col" style="background:#00FFFF;" | 15
! rowspan="1" scope="col" style="background:#00FFFF;" | 15
! rowspan="1" scope="col" style="background:#00FFFF;" | 16
! rowspan="1" scope="col" style="background:#00FFFF;" | 16
! rowspan="1" scope="col" style="background:#00FFFF;" | 17
! rowspan="1" scope="col" style="background:#00FFFF;" | 17
! rowspan="1" scope="col" style="background:#00FFFF;" | 18
! rowspan="1" scope="col" style="background:lightskyblue;" | 18
! rowspan="1" scope="col" style="background:lightskyblue;" | 19
!19
! rowspan="1" scope="col" style="background:lightskyblue;" | 20
! rowspan="1" scope="col" style="background:lightskyblue;" | 20
! rowspan="1" scope="col" style="background:#B200FF;" | 21
! rowspan="1" scope="col" style="background:#B200FF;" | 21
Line 85: Line 84:
! rowspan="1" scope="col" style="background:yellow;" | 23
! rowspan="1" scope="col" style="background:yellow;" | 23
|-
|-
|[[File:BSicon_LDER.svg|25px]]|| SLR|| UR || S11 || S10 || S9 || S8 || S7 || S6 || S5 || S4 || S3 || S2 || S1|| B5 || B4 || B3 || B2 || B1 || A1 || A2 || HA1 || UR || SLR
|[[File:BSicon_LDER.svg|10px]]|| SLR|| UR || || S10 || S9 || S8 || S7 || S6 || S5 || S4 || S3|| S2 || S1 | | || B2 || B1 || A1  
|A2|| H1 |UR | | | SLR
|-
|-
|}
|}


== Accidents ==
[[File:Alappuzha–Chennai Express.jpg|thumb|Alappuzha–Chennai Express standing in [[Palakkad Junction]].]]


== Incidents ==
* Four people were killed and 49 injured on 6 December 1997 due to bomb blast when the [[Alappuzha]] bound train from [[Chennai]] reached [[Thrissur railway station]]  {{Citation needed|date=August 2022}}
* Four students, who were walking along the railway track near Coimbatore under the influence of liquor, were killed after being hit by a Chennai-bound express train.<ref>{{Cite web|title=4 Students Die in Tamil Nadu's Coimbatore After Getting Hit by a Train|url=https://www.ndtv.com/tamil-nadu-news/4-students-dies-in-coimbatore-being-hit-by-train-2132677|website=NDTV.com|access-date=2020-05-17}}</ref>
* Four students, who were walking along the railway track near Coimbatore under the influence of liquor, were killed after being hit by a Chennai-bound express train.<ref>{{Cite web|title=4 Students Die in Tamil Nadu's Coimbatore After Getting Hit by a Train|url=https://www.ndtv.com/tamil-nadu-news/4-students-dies-in-coimbatore-being-hit-by-train-2132677|website=NDTV.com|access-date=2020-05-17}}</ref>


== Legacy ==
== Legacy ==
There is a movie called [[Cochin Express]] in Malayalam which is film in the 41/42 express.{{Citation needed|date=May 2020}}
There is a movie called ''[[Cochin Express]]'' in Malayalam which is film in the 41/42 express.{{Citation needed|date=May 2020}}


==See also==
==See also==
*[[Trivandrum Mail]]
*[[Thiruvananthapuram Mail]]
*[[Guruvayur Express]]
*[[Chennai Egmore–Guruvayur Express]]
*[[West coast express (India)|West Coast Express]]
*[[West Coast Express (India)|West Coast Express]]
*[[Kerala Express]]
*[[Kerala Express]]
*[[Cheran Express]]
*[[Cheran Superfast Express]]
*[[Nilgiri Express]]
*[[Nilgiri Express]]


Line 112: Line 115:
{{Railways in Southern India}}
{{Railways in Southern India}}


{{DEFAULTSORT:Chennai Central - Alappuzha SF Express}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Chennai Central-Alappuzha Express}}
[[Category:Express trains in India]]
[[Category:Express trains in India]]
[[Category:Rail transport in Kerala]]
[[Category:Rail transport in Kerala]]

Latest revision as of 19:23, 1 March 2026


MGR Chennai Central Alappuzha Superfast Express
MGR Chennai Central Alleppey Superfast Express
Overview
Service typeSuperfast
StatusOperating
LocaleKerala and Tamil Nadu
First service1 April 1966; 60 years ago (1966-04-01)
Current operator(s)Southern Railway zone
Former operator(s)South Indian Railway
RidershipSouthern Railway
Route
StartAlappuzha
Stops23
EndMGR Chennai Central
Distance travelled747 km (464 mi)
Average journey time13 hours, 40 minutes
Service frequencyDaily
On-board services
Class(es)AC 1st cum AC 2 Tier, AC 3 Tier, Sleeper class, Unreserved, SLR
Disabled access-
Seating arrangementsYes
Sleeping arrangementsyes
Auto-rack arrangementsYES
Catering facilitiesPantry car not available
Baggage facilitiesBelow the seats
Other facilitiesToilets
Technical
Rolling stockLHB coach
Track gaugeBroad
Electrification100%
Operating speed65 kilometres per hour (40 mph)
Route map
(Chennai–Alleppey) Express route map

Alappuzha (Alleppey)–MGR Chennai Central Superfast Express is a class of Superfast Express train that runs daily from MGR Chennai Central to Alappuzha. It is one of the oldest trains in the Southern Railway zone of the Indian Railways.

History[edit | edit source]

The train began its life as the 41/42 Madras Central (MAS)–Cochin Terminus (CHTS) Kerala Express on 1 April 1966.[1][2] It was one of two new express trains introduced in the budget of Panampilly Govindha Menon (though he did not present the budget) for southern railway.[3] The other express train being the West Coast Express. It was the first diesel express train to run south of Madras (with an Erode WDM-2). The scheduled departure from Cochin harbour terminus was at 08:00 pm and arrived in Madras Central at 10.00 am. The reverse train departed Madras central at 16:00 am and arrived at Cochin harbour terminus at 06:00 am (similar to timings of present-day Thiruvananthapuram -Chennai Express).[4][5] It took much less time to reach Madras than the 19/20 mail (14 Hours vs 15 hours).[6]

Initially, the 41/42 express was to be extended to Thiruvananthapuram in 1978 but instead during 1979, the 19/20 mail was extended.[7][8] The 19/20 mail is the predecessor of the now Thiruvananthapuram–Chennai Central Mail. The 41/42 Express became the Cochin Express after its name "Kerala Express" was taken over by 125/126 Thiruvananthapuram–New Delhi Express.

The rake maintenance was done at Chennai Central. The train formerly used to have passenger quotas like Ongole quota, Navjivan quota, Coromandel quota etc. for long-distance travel from Madras Central. In the 1980s the train got its stoppage removed from Coimbatore due to infrastructural constrains on the Irugur Junction–Coimbatore Junction line.[9] By 1982, the timings of the train had been reversed. Departure from Cochin was moved to 04:05 pm and was to reach Madras at 06:50 in the morning.[10][11] The reverse Train departure from Madras was at 7:00 pm and arrival in Cochin at 10:00 am.[12]

Extension to Alappuzha (1991–present)[edit | edit source]

During 1991, the historic train bid goodbye to Cochin Terminus as it was extended to the newly inaugurated line to Alleppey. It was renumbered 6041/6042 in 1990.[7][13] In 2004 the train was to be converted to Superfast express category numbered 2681/2682, but due to strong protests, the move was not implemented. It was again renumbered 16041/16042 in 2005.The Government of Kerala, in 2012, has officially asked an extension of this train to Vikram Sarabhai Terminal in the state capital of Thiruvananthapuram but the demand was never materialised and from 23 Sep 2012, the train reentered Coimbatore junction, after nearly a gap of 30 long years after the double line via Irugur was commissioned.[14] On 16 Jun 2014, the First Class non AC coaches were removed and have been replaced by a 3A coach.[15] The train was upgraded to Superfast express category from 13-07-2014 with new train numbers 22639/22640.[16][17]

The train's assigned number is 22639. The corresponding Chennai Superfast Express runs from Alleppey to Chennai (train number 22640).

Coach composition[edit | edit source]

The train used to have all classes of accommodation, 1st AC, 2nd AC, 3rd AC, Sleeper class and General Sitting and now it shares its rake with the Chennai–Thiruvananthapuram Superfast Express[citation needed].

Loco-WAP4 ERODE /ARAKKONAM 1 2 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23
SLR UR S10 S9 S8 S7 S6 S5 S4 S3 S2 | B2 B1 A1 A2 UR | | | SLR
Alappuzha–Chennai Express standing in Palakkad Junction.

Incidents[edit | edit source]

  • Four people were killed and 49 injured on 6 December 1997 due to bomb blast when the Alappuzha bound train from Chennai reached Thrissur railway station [citation needed]
  • Four students, who were walking along the railway track near Coimbatore under the influence of liquor, were killed after being hit by a Chennai-bound express train.[18]

Legacy[edit | edit source]

There is a movie called Cochin Express in Malayalam which is film in the 41/42 express.[citation needed]

See also[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]

  1. ↑ "Tables 10-11–SR – 1977TT". IRFCA. Retrieved 15 May 2020.
  2. ↑ "chts1". IRFCA. Retrieved 17 May 2020.
  3. ↑ "Panampilly Govinda Menon rail budget" (PDF).[dead link]
  4. ↑ "Tables 10-11 – SR – 1977TT". IRFCA. Retrieved 17 May 2020.
  5. ↑ "Table 2A – SR – 1977TT". IRFCA. Retrieved 17 May 2020.
  6. ↑ "brad_60_Apr_p23". IRFCA. Retrieved 17 May 2020.
  7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 "chts1 003". IRFCA. Retrieved 17 May 2020.
  8. ↑ "1979_Madras___Cochin_Abstract". IRFCA. Retrieved 17 May 2020.
  9. ↑ V. S. Palaniappan (23 May 2012). "After 30 years, Alleppey express to halt at Coimbatore". The Hindu. Coimbatore. Retrieved 26 October 2016.
  10. ↑ "chts-mas sl". IRFCA. Retrieved 17 May 2020.
  11. ↑ "chts-mas sl1". IRFCA. Retrieved 17 May 2020.
  12. ↑ "chts1 004". IRFCA. Retrieved 17 May 2020.
  13. ↑ "Untitled-1 copy". IRFCA. Retrieved 17 May 2020.
  14. ↑ Palaniappan, V. s (23 May 2012). "Chennai–Alleppey Express to have Coimbatore halt after 30 years". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 17 May 2020.
  15. ↑ "Fc coaches removed".[dead link]
  16. ↑ Kohilan, Subawarana. "CHANGE IN TRAIN NUMBERS – Railway Enquiry". India Rail Info. Retrieved 17 May 2020.
  17. ↑ "Train Schedule". Archived from the original on 29 April 2011.
  18. ↑ "4 Students Die in Tamil Nadu's Coimbatore After Getting Hit by a Train". NDTV.com. Retrieved 17 May 2020.

External links[edit | edit source]

Retrieved from "https://en.bharatpedia.org/w/index.php?title=Alappuzha–Chennai_Express&oldid=463260"
Discover more