Mannai Express

This train initially ran through Nidamangalam Junction, Thanjavur Junction, Kumbakonam, Mayiladuthurai Junction, Chidambaram, Villupuram Junction, Tambaram and reaches Chennai Egmore. But this train is rerouted via Nidamangalam Junction, Thiruvarur Junction, Mayiladuthurai Junction and continues till Chennai Egmore via the old existing route. Indian Railways had taken this decision due to some technical reasons caused by this train. But people from Kumbakonam, Thanjavur, started opposing railways decision. But this train is diverted via Thiruvarur Junction during mid of 2017 in the month of March after a long demand from the Thiruvarur and Cauvery Delta district peoples.[2] The technical reasons railways quoted are:

1. This train causes 2 loco reversals (one at Nidamangalam Junction and another at Thanjavur Junction) which causes more technical difficulties and loss of time and fuel.
2. while operating this train in the newly diverted route, it can over come those loco reversal problems and it is a shorter distance for Mannargudi when compared with the old route.

This train is being operated via the main line and hauled by an electric locomotive from Chennai Egmore to Mannargudi.

The Mannai Express runs between Chennai Egmore and Mannargudi has a rake sharing agreement (RSA) with Chendur Express between Chennai and Tiruchendur. These two rakes are used for operating Mannargudi – Mayiladuthurai – Mannargudi (06403 / 06404) and Tiruchendur – Tirunelveli – Tiruchendur (06405/ 06406) passenger trains.[3]

It has one AC First Class, one Ac Two Tier, one AC Three Tier, nine Sleeper class, four Unreserved general sitting coach.

Loco	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	10	11	12	13	14	15	16	17	18
	SLR	UR	UR	H1	A1	B1	S1	S2	S3	S4	S5	S6	S7	S8	S9	UR	UR	SLR

• 16179 Mannai Express
• 16180 Mannai Express