Silambu Express


The Silambu Super fast Express (20681/20682) is a train that runs between Chennai Egmore and Sengottai via Karaikkudi Junction. Initially it ran up to Manamadurai, later it was extended up to Sengottai.[2] It was the only train in Indian Railways where LHB rakes were replaced by ICF coaches again. According to IR if a train gets new LHB coaches it won't be converted to ICF. But this train was again replaced with ICF coaches after getting new LHB rakes.

Silambu Superfast Express
Silambu Express at Chennai Egmore.
Overview
Service typeSuper Fast train
LocaleTamil Nadu
First service22 June 2013 (2013-06-22)
Current operator(s)Southern Railways
Route
TerminiChennai Egmore
Sengottai
Stops21
Distance travelled683 km (424 mi)
Average journey time12 hours 20 mins
Service frequencyTri-weekly
Train number(s)20681 / 20682
On-board services
Class(es)AC First, AC Two Tier, AC Three Tier, Sleeper class, General Unreserved
Seating arrangementsNo
Sleeping arrangementsYes
Observation facilitiesLarge windows
Entertainment facilitiesNo
Technical
Track gauge1,676 mm (5 ft 6 in)
ElectrificationPartially electrified (till Virudhunagar Junction)
Operating speed52.5 km/h (32.6 mph) average with halts
Timetable number(s)8 / 8A[1]
Rake maintenanceTambaram Railway Yard
Rake sharingTambaram Nagercoil Triweekly Express
Route map
Silambu Express Route map

History
Chennai Egmore - Manamadurai Jn. Silambu Express LHB coaches halted at Manamadurai Junction
2nd set of brand new LHB coaches was received by Southern Railway for 16181/16182 Silambu Express
Chennai Egmore - Manamadurai Jn. Silambu Express halted at Manamadurai Junction
Manamadurai Chennai Silambu Express 2nd platform of Manamadurai Jn.

The name of the train commemorates the Kannagi or (Kannaki), a legendary Tamil woman who is the main character of the South Indian epic Silapathikaram(100–300 CE) who used the Silambu (an ornament worn in ankles by women of sangam age made up of gold, pearl and ruby) as the only item to prove her husband Kovalan's innocence who was executed by great King Pandiyan. To remember this story, the train was named the "Silambu Express". It is a standard train consisting of commercial coaches. The train operates tri-weekly in each direction and covers a distance of 683 km. Initially, the train was announced between Chennai Egmore and Karaikudi Junction but due to public demand it started its Maiden Run until Manamadurai via Sivagangai Instead of Terminating at Karaikudi Junction. From 04/03/2017 onwards this train was further extended to Sengottai[3] via Aruppukkottai, Virudhunagar Junction, Sivakasi, Tenkasi Junction. The Silambu Express was announced in the Railway Budget 2013 and the service started on 22 June 2013, extended to Sengottai from 5 Mar 2017.[4] From 25 Feb 2019, the frequency of the service was increased from bi-weekly to tri-weekly.[5] From April 15, 2022, Chennai Egmore – Sengottai Silambu Express was converted to Superfast category with new number 20681 MS SCT Silambu Superfast Express and Sengottai - Chennai Egmore Silambu express with new number 20682.

Coach Composition

At present,the train has 17 standard ICF utskrit coaches.

  • 1 AC First Class Cum AC Two Tier
  • 1 AC Two Tier
  • 2 AC Three Tier
  • 8 Sleeper Class
  • 3 General Unreserved
  • 2 Luggage Cum Disabled Coaches.

Till November 2021, it has different coach composition.

  • 1 AC First Class
  • 1 AC Two Tier
  • 2 Three Tier
  • 8 Sleeper Class
  • 6 General Unreserved
  • 2 Luggage Cum Disabled Coach.

When it ran as with LHB coaches only for three trips in 2016, it had different coach composition.

  • 1 AC First Class
  • 1 AC Two Tier
  • 3 AC Three Tier
  • 9 Sleeper Class
  • 7 General Unreserved
  • 2 End On Generator Cars.

But due to replacement of ICF Coaches again it was replaced with new coach composition.

Till October 2017 from its introduction it ran with the following composition,

  • 1 AC Two Tier
  • 2 AC Three Tier
  • 8 Sleeper Class
  • 6 General Unreserved
  • 2 Luggage Cum Disabled Coach

See also

References
  1. "Time Table of Chennai Egmore - Rameswaram (Main Line)" (PDF). Indian Railways. Southern Railway zone. pp. 43–44 (93–94). Retrieved 2 February 2014.
  2. Rail news http://www.livechennai.com/detailnews.asp?newsid=5767
  3. "Finally, Silambu Express to go up to Sengottai - Times of India". The Times of India. Retrieved 17 December 2020.
  4. "Silambu Express right on track". The Hindu. 14 June 2013. Retrieved 23 January 2016.
  5. "Silambu express becomes tri-weekly". The Hindu. 24 February 2019. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 17 December 2020.
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