Created by Bpk
Last edited January 24, 2026


Palaruvi Express
File:Paluravi express signboard.jpg
Palaruvi Express Signboard
Overview
Service typeInter-city rail
StatusOperating
LocaleKerala, Tamil Nadu
First service20 April 2017; 9 years ago (2017-04-20) (initial service between Palakkad Jn and Punalur)[1]
9 July 2018; 8 years ago (2018-07-09) (extended to Tirunelveli Junction)[2]
15 August 2024; 23 months ago (2024-08-15) (extended to Tuticorin)[3]
Current operator(s)Indian Railways
Route
StartTuticorin (TN)
Stops40
EndPalakkad Junction (PGT)
Distance travelled537 km (334 mi)
Average journey time14 hrs
Service frequencyDaily
Train number(s)16791/16792
On-board services
Class(es)5 SL, 11 UR, 2 SLR
Seating arrangementsYes
Sleeping arrangementsYes
Catering facilitiesNo
Technical
Rolling stockWAP-4
Track gauge5 ft 6 in (1,676 mm) broad gauge
Electrification25 kV AC 50 Hz
Operating speed35 km/h (22 mph)
Rake maintenanceTuticorin

The Palaruvi Express (Train number: 16791/16792) is a daily Intercity express train which runs between Tuticorin in Tamil Nadu and Palakkad Junction in Kerala via Tirunelveli Junction, Tenkasi Junction, Punalur, Kollam Junction, Tiruvalla and Kottayam.[4] The train first introduced between Punalur in Kollam and Palakkad.[5] On 9 July 2018, it was extended up to Tirunelveli Junction[6] and later on 15 August 2024 it was extended till Tuticorin.[7]

Background[edit | edit source]

The train was introduced on 19 April 2017,[8] providing better connectivity to the Eastern Kollam region with Central Kerala and as a relief for daily commuters, especially office-goers who have been relying on Venad Express.[9][10][11][12]

On 29 May 2022 it became the first train to pass through the doubled track between Ettumanoor-Kottayam-Chingavanam section which made the Thiruvananthapuram-Kottayam-Ernakulam-Mangaluru section completely doubled electrified line.

On 2024 July 28, the Palaruvi Express from Tirunelveli to Palakkad was the first electric train that passed through the recently electrified Sengottai - Kollam railway line.

Route[edit | edit source]

The service runs from Tuticorin(16791) every night and reaches Palakkad Junction the following afternoon. Prominent stoppages include Tirunelveli Junction, Tenkasi Junction, Punalur,Kundara, Kollam Junction ,[lower-alpha 1] Kayamkulam Junction, Tiruvalla, Kottayam, Ernakulam Town and Thrissur. On the return journey, the train leaves every evening, traverses the same route and reaches Tuticorin, next morning.[13]

The train reverses its direction at Kollam.

Coach composition[edit | edit source]

The train has eighteen coaches comprising five sleeper coaches, eleven unreserved general coaches and two luggage rakes.[14][lower-alpha 2]

Loco 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18
SLR GEN GEN GEN GEN GEN S1 S2 S4 S5 GEN GEN GEN GEN GEN GEN SLR

Since its introduction in April 2017, the train was running without even a single reservation compartment till September 2019. The train started 4 reservation sleeper compartments.

Gallery[edit | edit source]

File:Palaruvi Express at Ernakulam Town, July 2017.jpg
Palaruvii Express at Ernakulam Town


File:Palaruvi Express at Kottayam.jpg
Palaruvi Express at Kottayam


File:WAP 4 CLOSEUP.jpg
WAP-4 pulling the Palaruvi Express


File:WAP4 with paluravi express at pkd junction.jpg
Train at Palakkad Junction


See also[edit | edit source]

Notes[edit | edit source]

  1. The service reverses its rakes to continue the journey.
  2. The coach composition is subject to change.

References[edit | edit source]

  1. "Suresh Prabhu to flag off Palaruvi Express today". Blive. Retrieved 21 April 2017.
  2. "Palaruvi extended to Tirunelveli". TOI. 8 July 2018.
  3. "Palaruvi Express extended to Toothukudi from Aug 15, 4 more coaches from Wednesday". Blive. 13 August 2024. Retrieved 13 August 2024.
  4. "Palaruvi Express extended to Toothukudi from Aug 15, 4 more coaches from Wednesday". Blive. 13 August 2024. Retrieved 13 August 2024.
  5. "Suresh Prabhu to flag off Palaruvi Express today". Blive. Retrieved 21 April 2017.
  6. "Palaruvi extended to Tirunelveli". TOI. 8 July 2018. Retrieved 12 March 2020.
  7. "Palaruvi Express extended to Toothukudi from Aug 15, 4 more coaches from Wednesday". Onmanorama. Retrieved 22 August 2024.
  8. "Prabhu flags-off 45 freight terminals, new Kerala passenger train". Business Standard. Retrieved 21 April 2017.
  9. "Punalur-Palakkad Palaruvi Express to chug off on April 19". On Manorama. Retrieved 21 April 2017.
  10. "Palaruvi Express to cool down passengers". TNIE. Retrieved 21 April 2017.
  11. "New train between Palakkad, Punalur". The Hindu. 13 April 2017. Retrieved 21 April 2017.
  12. "More stops sought for new train from Punalur". Times of India. 16 April 2017. Retrieved 21 April 2017.
  13. "Palaruvi Express flagged off". Times of India. 20 April 2017. Retrieved 21 April 2017.
  14. "16101/Chennai Egmore - Kollam Jn Express". Indiarailinfo. Retrieved 6 March 2019.

External links[edit | edit source]

Template:Express trains running through Kerala