| Overview | |
|---|---|
| Service type | Superfast |
| Current operator(s) | Southern Railway zone |
| Route | |
| Termini | Madurai Junction Chennai Egmore |
| Stops | 9 |
| Distance travelled | 561 km (349 mi) |
| Average journey time | 10 hours |
| Service frequency | Bi-weekly |
| Train number(s) | 22623 / 22624 |
| On-board services | |
| Class(es) | 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 | LHB coach |
| Track gauge | 1,676 mm (5 ft 6 in) |
| Operating speed | 55.64 km/h (35 mph) |
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.
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. It shares its rakes with 12651/12652 Tamil Nadu Sampark Kranti Express. From April 2021, it runs with brand new LHB rakes.
Coaches
The 22624 / 23 Mahal Superfast Express presently has
- 1 AC 2 tier
- 2 AC 3 tier
- 8 Sleeper class
- 4 General Unreserved
- 2 EOG (End-On Generator)
As with most train services in India, coach composition may be amended at the discretion of Indian Railways depending on demand.
Timings
- 22624 Madurai Junction–Chennai Egmore Superfast Express departs Madurai Junction every Thursday & Saturday at 20.50 and reaches Chennai Egmore at 06.55 the next day.
- In return, 22623 Chennai Egmore–Madurai Junction leaves Chennai Egmore every Friday & Sunday at 22.05 and reaches Madurai Junction at 08.10 the next day.
Routeing
The 22624 / 23 Mahal Superfast Express runs from Madurai Junction via Tiruchirappalli Junction, 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
- "Tamil Nadu / Tiruchi News : New Chennai Egmore–Madurai biweekly train disappoints users". The Hindu. 10 May 2010. Archived from the original on 19 May 2010. Retrieved 30 May 2014.
- "IR Southern Zone – Discussion :: Chennai–Madurai Bi-Weekly Express Via Mayiladuthurai". indianrailways.informe.com. Retrieved 30 May 2014.