TheSilambu Super fast Express(20681/20682) is a train that runs betweenChennai EgmoreandSengottaiviaKaraikkudi Junction.Initially it ran up toManamadurai,later it was extended up toSengottai.[2]It was the only train in Indian Railways where LHB rakes were replaced byICF coachesagain. According to IR if a train gets new LHB coaches it won't be converted to ICF. But this train was again replaced with ICF coaches after getting new LHB rakes.
 Silambu Express at Chennai Egmore. | |||||
| Overview | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Service type | Super Fast train | ||||
| Locale | Tamil Nadu | ||||
| First service | 22 June 2013 | ||||
| Current operator(s) | Southern Railways | ||||
| Route | |||||
| Termini | Chennai Egmore Sengottai | ||||
| Stops | 21 | ||||
| Distance travelled | 683 km (424 mi) | ||||
| Average journey time | 12 hours 20 mins | ||||
| Service frequency | Tri-weekly | ||||
| Train number(s) | 20681 / 20682 | ||||
| On-board services | |||||
| Class(es) | AC First, AC Two Tier, AC Three Tier, Sleeper class, General Unreserved | ||||
| Seating arrangements | No | ||||
| Sleeping arrangements | Yes | ||||
| Observation facilities | Large windows | ||||
| Entertainment facilities | No | ||||
| Technical | |||||
| Track gauge | 1,676 mm(5 ft 6 in) | ||||
| Electrification | Partially electrified (till Virudhunagar Junction) | ||||
| Operating speed | 52.5 km/h (32.6 mph) average with halts | ||||
| Timetable number(s) | 8 / 8A[1] | ||||
| Rake maintenance | Tambaram Railway Yard | ||||
| Rake sharing | Tambaram Nagercoil Triweekly Express | ||||
| |||||
History
edit
The name of the train commemoratesKannagi,a legendary Tamil woman who is the protagonist of the South Indian epicCilappatikaram(100–300 CE) who used hersilambu(anklet) to prove her husband Kovalan's innocence, who was executed by thePandyaking.It is a standard train consisting of commercial coaches. The train operates tri-weekly in each direction and covers a distance of 683 km. Initially, the train was announced between Chennai Egmore and Karaikudi Junction but due to public demand it started its Maiden Run untilManamaduraiviaSivagangaiInstead of Terminating atKaraikudi Junction.From 04/03/2017 onwards this train was further extended toSengottai[3]viaAruppukkottai,Virudhunagar Junction,Sivakasi,Tenkasi Junction.The Silambu Express was announced in theRailway Budget2013 and the service started on 22 June 2013, extended to Sengottai from 5 Mar 2017.[4]From 25 Feb 2019, the frequency of the service was increased from bi-weekly to tri-weekly.[5]From April 15, 2022, Chennai Egmore – Sengottai Silambu Express was converted to Superfast category with new number 20681 MS SCT Silambu Superfast Express and Sengottai - Chennai Egmore Silambu express with new number 20682.
Coach composition
editAt present,the train has 17 standard ICF utskrit coaches.
- 1 AC First Class Cum AC Two Tier
- 1 AC Two Tier
- 2 AC Three Tier
- 8 Sleeper Class
- 3 General Unreserved
- 2 Luggage Cum Disabled Coaches.
Till November 2021, it has different coach composition.
- 1 AC First Class
- 1 AC Two Tier
- 2 Three Tier
- 8 Sleeper Class
- 6 General Unreserved
- 2 Luggage Cum Disabled Coach.
When it ran as with LHB coaches only for three trips in 2016, it had different coach composition.
- 1 AC First Class
- 1 AC Two Tier
- 3 AC Three Tier
- 9 Sleeper Class
- 7 General Unreserved
- 2 End On Generator Cars.
But due to replacement of ICF Coaches again it was replaced with new coach composition.
Till October 2017 from its introduction it ran with the following composition,
- 1 AC Two Tier
- 2 AC Three Tier
- 8 Sleeper Class
- 6 General Unreserved
- 2 Luggage Cum Disabled Coach
See also
editReferences
edit- ^"Time Table of Chennai Egmore - Rameswaram (Main Line)"(PDF).Indian Railways.Southern Railway zone.pp. 43–44 (93–94).Retrieved2 February2014.
- ^Rail newshttp://www.livechennai.com/detailnews.asp?newsid=5767
- ^"Finally, Silambu Express to go up to Sengottai - Times of India".The Times of India.5 March 2017.Retrieved17 December2020.
- ^"Silambu Express right on track".The Hindu.14 June 2013.Retrieved23 January2016.
- ^"Silambu express becomes tri-weekly".The Hindu.24 February 2019.ISSN0971-751X.Retrieved17 December2020.
External links
edit