Vanchinad Express
| Overview | |
|---|---|
| Current operator(s) | Indian Railway |
| Route | |
| Start | Ernakulam Junction |
| Stops | 18 |
| End | Thiruvananthapuram Central |
| Distance travelled | 220 km (140 mi) |
| Average journey time | 4 hours 45 minutes |
| Service frequency | Daily |
| Train number(s) | 16303 / 16304 |
| On-board services | |
| Class(es) | AC Chair Car,Second Sitting |
| Seating arrangements | Yes |
| Observation facilities | Large windows |
| Technical | |
| Rolling stock | 7 |
| Track gauge | 1,676 mm (5 ft 6 in) |
Vanchinad Express (Malayalam: വഞ്ചിനാട് എക്സ്പ്രസ്സ്) is one of the popular intercity express trains in Kerala state, India which runs between Thiruvananthapuram and Ernakulam.[1] This train connects state capital Thiruvananthapuram with cosmopolitan city Kochi in Kerala daily.
Route
The Vanchinad Express runs between Ernakulam Junction and Trivandrum Central via Kottayam.
About the Name
The word Vanchinad means "A land in the shape of a boat". The old state of Travancore had this shape and was the old name for it. Hence the train has been affixed the name.
History and Relevance
The train was introduced in the year 1985 as a Super Fast train between Thiruvananthapuram Central and Ernakulam Junction.During initial period the train has only 2 stoppages at Kottayam and Kollam railway stations. During this time, the train was also known as Executive Express and it was one of the fastest trains running in Kerala.At that time Vanchinad Express started from Ernakulam South at 06:00 AM and arrived Trivandrum Central at 09:50 AM. On the return,it started at 17:10 PM from Trivandrum Central and arrived Ernakulam Junction at 21:00 PM in the night.
Vanchinad Express has been given additional stoppages from 1990's due to political pressure from MLA's and MP's which resulted in increased running time of the train and revised schedule.Currently Vanchinad express has 18 stops in between Trivandrum Central and Ernakulam Junction.
Coach Composition
When the train was introduced in 1985 the train has one First Class Compartment.Then an additional First Class coach was added.Currently the First Class Coaches has been removed and replaced with AC Chair car.Pantry Car facility was also available in earlier times which was also withdrawn later. Tickets can be reserved in advance for AC Chair Car and one Reserved Second Sitting coach.Other second sitting coaches can be boarded with unreserved tickets issued from the counter.
Timetable
The train No:16303 starts from Ernakulam Junction at 05:00 AM and reaches Trivandrum Central at 09:45 AM. In the return direction the train no: 16304 leaves Trivandrum Central at 17:40 PM and reaches Ernakulam Junction at 22:20 PM. The train runs via Kottayam route. It is a convenient daily day train service operating between Trivandrum and Kochi.
Stoppages
The train currently has stoppages in Ernakulam Junction,Tripuinithura, Mulanthuruthy, Piravom Road, Kottayam, Changanacherry, Thiruvalla, Chengannur, Mavelikara, Kayamkulam, Karunagappally, Sasthamkotta, Kollam Junction, Paravur, Varkala, Kadakkavoor, Chirayinkeezh, Kazhakootam and Trivandrum Central.
See also
- Famous trains
- Kerala Express
- Venad Express
- Guruvayur Express
- Kerala Sampark Kranti Express
- Maveli Express