Major yard improvement works at Thoothukudi and Milavittan from Monday

Madurai Division of Southern Railway has taken up major yard improvement works at Thoothukudi and Milavittan from Monday to December 23 as part of preparations for introducing double-line train operations between the two stations.

The project is aimed at enhancing the efficiency, safety and capacity of train movements on this busy stretch.

The Thoothukudi yard layout is being completely reorganised and the existing signalling system will be replaced with a modern, quicker and safer arrangement.

Platform No. 1 would be extended by 63 metres from the present 532 metre to 595 metre and a new long platform line, 579 metre is being created to comfortably receive full-length trains.

The stabling line and pit line would be extended to handle 22-coach LHB rakes, and additional tracks would be provided to ease engine movement.

A tower wagon shed, a small siding and upgraded level crossing gates with electrically-operated lifting barriers are also part of the work.

The Milavittan yard would be upgraded to match the requirements of double-line operations up to Thoothukudi.

The signalling arrangements would be modernised and the internal tracks rearranged to facilitate smoother entry and exit of trains.

A long siding would be developed for track machines and a 750-metre shunting track is being added to handle long rakes without affecting mainline operations.

A dedicated wagon maintenance line is being created, and new engine parking and escape lines are being developed. The goods line would be extended with concrete surfacing on both sides for safer handling and a long goods platform would be constructed.

With these improvements, Milavittan yard will be able to manage train movements more efficiently and with enhanced safety.

On completion, Thoothukudi will gain additional capacity to receive and maintain full-length trains, while Milavittan will see major improvements in operational flexibility and rake management.

The upgraded Thoothukudi–Milavittan section will support smoother, faster and safer train operations, improving both passenger and freight services and strengthening the overall performance of the Madurai Division.

Consequently, changes have been announced in train services.

Cancellation of services

Train No.56726 Vanchi Maniyachi Junction Passenger – Thoothukudi Passenger leaving Vanchi Maniyachi at 3 a.m. would be cancelled from December 17 to 23.

Train No.56723 Thoothukudi-Vanchi Maniyachi Junction Passenger leaving Thoothukudi at 8.30 a.m. would be cancelled from December 17 to 23.

Train No.56722 Tirunelveli – Thoothukudi Passenger leaving Tirunelveli at 7.45 a.m. would be cancelled on December 17 to 20 and 22 and 23.

Train No.56721 Thoothukudi – Tirunelveli Passenger leaving Tirunelveli at 6.15 p.m. would be cancelled on December 17, to 20 and 22 and 23.

Train No. 56724 Vanchi Maniyachi – Thoothukudi Passenger leaving Vanchi Maniyachi at 9.05 p.m. would be cancelled from December 17 to 22.

Train No. 56725 Thoothukudi – Vanchi Maniyachi Passenger leaving Thoothukudi at 10.35 p.m. would be cancelled from December 17 to 22.

Partial cancellation

Train No.16792 Palakkad Junction – Thoothukudi Palaruvi Express leaving Palakkad Junction at 4.05 p.m. would be partially cancelled between Tirunelveli and Thoothukudi from December 14 to 27.

Train No. 16791 Thoothukudi – Palakkad Junction Palaruvi Express leaving Thoothukudi at 10 p.m. will be partially cancelled between Thoothukudi and Tirunelveli from December 15 to January 28.

Train No. 16235 Thoothukudi – Mysuru Express leaving Thoothukudi at 17.25 hrs. from 21.12.2025, 22.12.2025 and 23.12.2025 are partially cancelled between Thoothukudi and Vanchi Maniyachi Junction.

Train No.16236 Mysuru Junction – Thoothukudi Express leaving Mysuru at 6.20 p.m. will be partially cancelled between Vanchi Maniyachi and Thoothukudi on December 20 to 22.

Train No. 19568 Okha – Thoothukudi Express leaving Okha at 12.55 a.m. on December 19 will be short terminated at Kovilpatti on December 21.

The train will not run in between Kovilpatti and Thoothukudi on the day.

Train No. 19567 Thoothukudi – Okha Express leaving Thoothukudi at 11.35 p.m. on December 21 will be operated from Kovilpatti.

Train No.12693 Chennai Egmore – Thoothukudi Pearl City Express leaving Chennai Egmore on December 20 to 22 will be short terminated at Vanchi Maniyachi and Thoothukudi on December 21 to 23. The train will be partially cancelled between Vanchi Maniyachi and Thoothukudi.

Train No.12694 Thoothukudi – Chennai Egmore Pearl City Express leaving Thoothukudi on December 21 to 23 will be operated form Vanchi Maniyachi. The train would be partially cancelled between Thoothukudi and Vanchi Maniyachi.

Published – December 14, 2025 07:40 pm IST