Chalukya Express
The Chalukya Express is a train that originates from Pondicherry/Tirunelveli Junction and terminates at Dadar in Mumbai. This train belongs to the Central Railway zone and is hence numbered 11005/11006(for Pondicherry) and 11021/11022.(for Tirunelveli)
This train runs via the Karnataka region, following a Yeswanthpur-Hubli-Belgaum-Miraj route, giving a panoramic view of rural Karnataka. It operates 6 days per week in each direction - 3 days to Pondicherry and 3 days to Tirunelveli Junction. The train covers the distance in 30 hrs 5 minutes. This route is longer and comprises certain ghats.
Relevance
This train gets its name from the Chalukya Dynasty that ruled the Karnataka region.
Earlier, this train runs up to Yeshwantpur with six days with the No. 11017/11018
After 15 Oct 2012 It Was Extended up to Pondicherry and Tirunelveli with tri weekly days.
Traction
11005/06 is hauled by a Krishnarajapuram based WDP-4 locomotive from Dadar to Yesvantpur after which a Royapuram or Erode based WAP-4 or an Arakkonam based WAP-1 haul the train for the remainder of its journey until Poducherry.
11021/22 is hauled by a Krishnarajapuram based WDP-4 locomotive from Dadar to Yesvantpur after which an Erode based WDM-3D or WDG-3A hauls the train for the remainder of its journey until Tirunelveli.