Vaigai Express, a beloved train running between South Tamil Nadu and Chennai, has been a cherished mode of transportation for the past 47 years. However, with the introduction of the indigenously manufactured Vande Bharat trains, commuters now have access to even faster and more luxurious travel options.
Last year, the Vaigai Express set an impressive record, completing the journey from Madurai Railway Station to Chennai Egmore in just 6 hours and 34 minutes. With over a thousand seats available, the Vaigai Express has been a popular choice for morning commuters.
In addition to the Vaigai Express, the Tejas luxury train has been operating between Madurai and Chennai since March 2019. With 900 luxury seats, the Tejas train has gained public support and is a testament to the increasing demand for luxury train travel.
Under the initiative of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Vande Bharat trains, manufactured locally, are being introduced across the country. On September 24th, the Prime Minister will inaugurate the service of 9 Vande Bharat trains, including the Tirunelveli-Chennai Egmore route. This route is significant as it passes through the most important district in South Tamil Nadu.
The Vande Bharat train will stop at six stations, namely Virudhunagar, Madurai, Dindigul, Trichy, Villupuram, and Tambaram. Operating six days a week, the train offers state-of-the-art facilities, including air-conditioned ordinary seats and executive ultra-modern seats. With a travel time of less than 8 hours, the Vande Bharat train is not only beneficial for those traveling from Tirunelveli to Chennai, but also for passengers from the stopover districts along the route.
Train enthusiasts are eagerly anticipating the launch of the Vande Bharat train service. Arunpandian, a dedicated train enthusiast, expressed his excitement and emphasized the significance of this new train service. He also highlighted the economic advantages of the Vande Bharat train, stating that the fare from Tirunelveli to Chennai is likely to be around Rs.1,600, which is a reasonable price considering the shorter travel time of 8 hours. Additionally, the Vande Bharat trains boast advanced technology, reducing the chances of accidents.
One notable feature of the Vande Bharat train is its high speed capability. While other trains require a distance of 1.25 km to reach a speed of 110 kmph, the Vande Bharat train can reach this speed in just 500 meters. As ongoing railway works between Chennai and Vrudhachalam are completed, the travel time from Nellai to Chennai is expected to decrease to 7 hours and 30 minutes.
Responding to passenger demands, it has been suggested that the Vande Bharat train make a stop at Kovilpatti railway station, benefitting an estimated 50 to 60 passengers from Thoothukudi district.
The Vande Bharat train service is set to commence on September 28th, with Prime Minister Modi inaugurating the service via video conference. Booking fees for the train vary depending on the destination and class of travel, but it is expected that the Vande Bharat train will be a preferred choice for air travelers due to its comparable level of comfort.
The Vande Bharat train is certainly making waves in the transportation industry, providing a faster and more luxurious travel option for passengers across the country. With its state-of-the-art facilities and shorter travel times, it is poised to become a premier train service in South Tamil Nadu.