Rail passengers traveling to and from southern Tamil Nadu will face significant disruptions between June 13 and July 1 as Southern Railway undertakes yard remodelling work at Tirunelveli. The railway has announced cancellations, curtailments, diversions, and rescheduling of 65 train services, impacting connectivity across multiple districts.
Scope of Disruptions
The changes include eight full cancellations, 17 trains originating from alternate stations, 20 short terminations, 10 diversions, and two rescheduled services. These measures will affect rail connectivity in Tirunelveli, Nagercoil, Kanyakumari, Tuticorin, and Tiruchendur.
Key Services Affected
Passengers traveling on the Coimbatore-Nagercoil Express (16322/16321) will face the biggest disruption. Train No. 16322 has been fully cancelled on June 20, while train No. 16321 is cancelled on June 30. On several other days, the train will operate only up to or from Dindigul. Commuters from Kanyakumari will see services shifted northward. The Nagercoil-Tambaram Antyodaya Express (20692) and Nagercoil-Coimbatore Superfast Express (22667) will originate from Dindigul on multiple days, while corresponding inbound services will terminate there.
Impact on Tirunelveli and Surrounding Areas
For Tirunelveli passengers, the Nellai Superfast Express (12632) to Chennai Egmore will originate from Vanchi Maniyachchi on June 27, 28, and 29. In the opposite direction, the train will terminate at Vanchi Maniyachchi from June 26 to 29, requiring passengers to arrange onward travel. Connectivity to Tiruchendur and Tuticorin will also be affected. The Tiruchendur-Palakkad Express (16732) will originate from Vanchi Maniyachchi or Madurai on different days, while the Chennai Egmore-Tiruchendur Superfast Express (20605) will terminate at Virudhunagar. The Tuticorin-Palakkad-Tuticorin Palaruvi Express (16791/16792) will face cancellations and diversions through Tenkasi and Rajapalayam.
Long-Distance Route Changes
Long-distance passengers will also encounter route changes. Train nos. 16127/16128 Chennai-Guruvayur-Chennai Egmore expresses will be diverted via Pollachi and Palakkad, bypassing the Nagercoil-Tirunelveli-Madurai corridor. Several Sengottai-bound trains, including the Erode-Sengottai Express (16845/16846), will either be cancelled or diverted through Rajapalayam and Tenkasi during the work period.
Passengers are advised to check with Southern Railway for updated schedules and plan their journeys accordingly.
