Madurai–Chennai Egmore Express
The Madurai Junction – Chennai Egmore Superfast Express or Mahal Superfast Express is a Superfast Express train belonging to Indian Railways – Southern Railway zone that runs between Madurai Junction and Chennai Egmore in India.
| Overview | |
|---|---|
| Service type | Superfast |
| Current operator(s) | Southern Railway zone |
| Route | |
| Start | Madurai Junction |
| Stops | 9 |
| End | Chennai Egmore |
| Distance travelled | 561 km (349 mi) |
| Service frequency | Bi-weekly |
| On-board services | |
| Class(es) | AC 1st Class, AC 2 tier, AC 3 tier, Sleeper Class, Second Class seating |
| Seating arrangements | Yes |
| Sleeping arrangements | Yes |
| Catering facilities | No pantry car attached |
| Technical | |
| Rolling stock | Standard Indian Railways coaches |
| Track gauge | 1,676 mm (5 ft 6 in) |
| Operating speed | 55.64 km/h (35 mph) |
It operates as train number 22624 from Madurai Junction to Chennai Egmore and as train number 22623 in the reverse direction serving the state of Tamil Nadu.
Coaches
The 22624 / 23 Mahal Superfast Express presently has 1 AC 1st Class cum AC 2 tier, 2 AC 3 tier, 8 Sleeper Class, 4 Second Class seating & 2 SLR (Seating cum Luggage Rake) coaches. It does not have a pantry car.
As with most train services in India, coach composition may be amended at the discretion of Indian Railways depending on demand.
Service
The 22624 / 23 Mahal Superfast Express covers the distance of 561 kilometres in 10 hours 05 mins (55.64 km/hr) in both directions.
As the average speed of the train is above 55 km/hr, as per Indian Railways rules, its fare includes a Superfast surcharge.
Routeing
The 22624 / 23 Mahal Superfast Express runs from Madurai Junction via Tiruchirappalli, Thanjavur Junction, Kumbakonam, Mayiladuthurai Junction, Viluppuram Junction to Chennai Egmore.
Traction
As the route is yet to be electrified, it is hauled end-to-end by a Diesel Loco Shed, Tondiarpet-based WDM-3A/WDG-3A locomotive.
References
- "The Hindu : Tamil Nadu / Tiruchi News : New Chennai Egmore-Madurai biweekly train disappoints users". hindu.com. Retrieved 30 May 2014.
- "IR Southern Zone – Discussion :: Chennai–Madurai Bi-Weekly Express Via Mayiladuthurai". indianrailways.informe.com. Retrieved 30 May 2014.