Additional AC three-tier compartment sanctioned for well-patronised Mettupalayam-Tirunelveli special train

: Factoring in robust passenger patronage, the Southern Railway has added an AC three-tier coach, to the Mettupalayam-Tirunvelveli special weekly train.

As per the new composition, the train will have two AC 3-tier LHB coaches. With the addition, there will be 16 LHB coaches. The rest comprise one AC 2-Tier, one AC 3-Tier Economy, six Sleeper Class, four General Second Class, one luggage/generator/brake van) coach, and a sitting-cum-luggage rake and divyangjan coach.

Passengers have been urging the Railways to convert the weekly special train into a permanent daily service.

The train was introduced as a special service during April 2022 to clear extra summer rush. Since then, the service has been repeatedly extended, providing a fillip to tourism in Ooty and Courtallam.

As per the last announcement on the extension of the special train at the start of this month, the Southern Railway had informed that the weekly-special will be operated till January 25, 2026.

As per the schedule, the Tirunelveli-Mettupalayam train (No. 06030) will depart at 7 p.m. on Sundays and reach destination at 7.30 a.m. the following day. In the return direction, the train (No. 06029) will depart at 7.45 p.m. on Mondays and reach Tirunelveli at 7.45 a.m. the following day.

Espousing the cause of the travelling public, S. Basha, a social activist, said in a representation to the Railways that the train should be made permanent, considering its utility to passengers in various districts.

The train has stoppages at Cheranmahadevi, Kallidaikurichi, Ambasamudram, Kizhakadaiyam, Pavurchatram, Tenkasi, Kadayanallur, Sankarankovil, Rajapalayam, Srivilliputtur, Sivakasi, Virudhunagar, Madurai, Dindigul, Oddanchatram, Palani, Udumalaipettai, Pollachi, Kinattukkadavu, Podanur and Coimbatore Junction.

In a recent communication to the Zonal Railways, the Railway Board has informed that the existing approvals for the operation of special train services will automatically lapse after February 28, 2026, and Zonal Railways must submit fresh proposals for periods beyond the date within the next seven days.

As for the services provided for local and major festivals and exams, planning should be done well in advance. The purpose is to streamline the services to improve the Management Information System, the communication stated.