Chennai–Palakkad Superfast Express Explained

Color:D4AF37
MGR Chennai Central - Palakkad Jn
Superfast Express
Type:Superfast Express
Locale:Tamil Nadu, Kerala
Operator:Southern Railways
Start:MGR Chennai Central (MAS)
Stops:19[1]
End:Palakkad Junction (PGT)
Distance:672km (418miles)
Journeytime:9 Hours 35 minutes
Frequency:Daily
Class:AC First, AC 2 Tier, AC 3 Tier, Sleeper Class, Second Sitting, General Unreserved.
Sleeping:Yes
Catering:Yes
Observation:Large windows
Entertainment:Yes
Trainnumber:22651/22652
Speed:57km/h average with halts

The 22651/22652 MGR Chennai Central - Palakkad Superfast Express is a daily express train between MGR Chennai Central (MAS) and Palakkad Junction railway station (PGT) by Southern Railways via Palani. This is the only train that connects Palani, Udumalaipettai & Pollachi with the state capital Chennai. The train covers a distance of at an average speed of .

History

Initially, the train ran between Chennai Central and Palani. It was later extended up to Pollachi Junction as a special train between Palani and Pollachi. In 2017, the train was further extended up to Palakkad Junction, thus serving two states - Tamil Nadu and Kerala.

Route

The train operates from Chennai Central to Palakkad Junction via Tiruvallur, Arakkonam Jn, Katpadi, Jolarpettai, Morappur, Salem Jn, Rasipuram, Namakkal, Mohanur, Karur Jn, Dindigul Jn, Akkaraipatti, Oddanchatram, Chatrapatti, Palani, Udumalpet, Pollachi Jn and Palakkad Town.[1]

Timings

This train is a daily service train with the following departures and arrivals at some of these stations:-

MGR Chennai Central ↔ Palakkad Junction (via Palani)
22651Station NameStation Code22652
ArrivalDepartureArrivalDeparture
-21:40MGR Chennai CentralMAS04:05-
22:43 22:45Arakkonam JunctionAJJ02:2802:30
23:3823:40Katpadi JunctionKPD01:3801:40
00:5300:55Jolarpettai JunctionJTJ00:2800:30
02:3502:40Salem JunctionSA22:3522:40
04:2304:25Karur JunctionKRR21:0321:05
06:0006:05Dindigul JunctionDG19:3519:40
07:10 07:15PalaniPLNI18:0018:05
08:2708:30Pollachi JunctionPOY16:5216:55
10:00-Palakkad JunctionPGT-15:45

Coach composition

It runs with ICF-CBC coaches.

Traction

Since the train runs on a fully electrified route, a WAP-7 locomotive of Erode shed or a WAP-4 locomotive if Arakkonam shed hauls the train throughout its journey.

Notes and References

  1. Web site: India Rail Info . 13 October 2013.