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, 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]

Palaruvi Express
Palaruvi Express at Ernakulam Town
Overview
Service typeInter-city rail
StatusOperating
LocaleKerala, Tamil Nadu
First service20 April 2017; 7 years ago (2017-04-20) (initial service between Palakkad Junction and Punalur)[1]
9 July 2018; 6 years ago (2018-07-09) (extended to Tirunelveli Junction)[2]
15 August 2024; 4 months ago (2024-08-15) (extended to Tuticorin)[3]
Current operator(s)Indian Railways
Route
TerminiTuticorin (TN)
Palakkad Junction (PGT)
Stops40
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

Background

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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

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The service runs from Tuticorin(16791) every night and reaches Palakkad Junction the following afternoon. Prominent stoppages include Tirunelveli Junction, Tenkasi Junction, Punalur, Kollam Junction ,[a] Kayamkulam Junction, 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

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The train has fourteen coaches comprising five sleeper coaches, eleven unreserved general coaches and two luggage rakes.[14][b]

Loco 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18
  SLR GEN GEN GEN GEN S1 S2 S3 S4 S5 GEN 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.

See also

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Notes

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

References

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  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.
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