MADURAI: Rail travel across southern Tamil Nadu will face major disruption over the next two weeks, with Southern Railway cancelling eight services and curtailing dozens more for Tirunelveli yard remodelling works. The changes are part of the Vanchi Maniyachchi–Nagercoil doubling project, which requires significant track and yard modifications at Tirunelveli junction.
Full Cancellations and Curtailments
Among the trains fully cancelled are the Coimbatore–Nagercoil Express (16321/22). Several trains will originate from alternate stations instead of their regular terminals. For instance, the Tambaram Antyodaya Express (20692) will start from Dindigul on multiple days, while the Nellai Express (12632) will run only from Vanchi Maniyachchi on June 27, 28, and 29. The Guruvayur Express (16127) will be diverted via Pollachi and Palakkad, bypassing the Nagercoil–Tirunelveli–Madurai route.
Impact on Passengers
Passengers are advised to check the revised schedules before planning their journeys. Southern Railway has issued a list of all affected trains, including partial cancellations, short terminations, and diversions. The disruption is expected to last for two weeks, starting from the first week of July.
The doubling project aims to enhance rail connectivity and reduce travel time on the Vanchi Maniyachchi–Nagercoil section. However, the remodelling work at Tirunelveli yard necessitates temporary service adjustments. Southern Railway has requested passengers to cooperate and plan accordingly.
About the Author
Ram Sundaram is an Assistant Editor at The Times of India, Chennai, covering commute, trial courts, and political affairs. He has been reporting on transportation and infrastructure developments in Tamil Nadu for over a decade.
