Boat Mail Express: Difference between revisions
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{{Use Indian English|date=September 2018}} |
{{Use Indian English|date=September 2018}} |
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{{Infobox rail service |
{{Infobox rail service |
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| color |
| color = ffba01 |
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| |
| name = '''Boat Mail Express''' |
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| image = BOATMAIL RAMESWARAM EXPRESS.jpg |
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| caption |
| caption = Boat Mail Express is at Chennai Egmore Railway Station Platform No : 9 |
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⚫ | |||
| |
| image_width = 300px |
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| |
| type = [[Mail/Express]] |
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| |
| locale = [[Tamil Nadu]] |
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| |
| status = Active |
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| predecessor = Indo-Ceylon Express |
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| last = |
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| |
| first = {{Start date and age|df=yes|1914|02|24}} |
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| |
| last = Operation till now |
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⚫ | |||
| website = www.indianrailways.gov.in |
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| |
| operator = [[Southern Railway zone]] |
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| formeroperator = South Indian Railway (SIR) |
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⚫ | |||
| |
| ridership = [[Mail/Express]] |
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| |
| website = www.indianrailways.gov.in |
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| |
| start = {{stnlnk|Chennai Egmore}} '''(MS)''' |
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| |
| stops = 20 |
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| |
| end = {{stnlnk|Mandapam}} '''(MMM)''' |
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| distance = {{convert|665|km|abbr=on}} |
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⚫ | |||
| journeytime = 12 hours 30min |
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⚫ | |||
| line_used = Main Line |
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⚫ | |||
* 1 2nd A/C II Tire (A) |
* 1 2nd A/C II Tire (A) |
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* 3 3rd A/C III Tire (B) |
* 3 3rd A/C III Tire (B) |
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Line 29: | Line 33: | ||
* 3 Unreserved (GS) |
* 3 Unreserved (GS) |
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* 2 GSLRD |
* 2 GSLRD |
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| access |
| access = {{Access icon|20px}} |
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| seating |
| seating = Yes (Un-Reserved Compartment) |
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| sleeping |
| sleeping = Yes (Berth) |
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| autorack |
| autorack = |
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| catering = E-Catering |
| catering = E-Catering |
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* 16751 : (Chennai Egmore ➡ Villupuram Junction) |
* 16751 : (Chennai Egmore ➡ Villupuram Junction) |
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* 16752 : ( |
* 16752 : (MANDAPAM ➡ Tiruchchirappalli Junction) |
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| observation |
| observation = Large windows |
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| entertainment |
| entertainment = No |
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| baggage |
| baggage = AVAILABLE |
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| otherfacilities |
| otherfacilities = BIO TOILET |
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| stock |
| stock = * MMM ↔ TPJ → [[WDM-3A]], [[WDG-3A]] Loco from [[Diesel Loco Shed, Golden Rock]] |
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* TPJ ↔ MS → [[WAP-4]] Loco from [[Arakkonam]], [[Erode]] Electric Shed |
* TPJ ↔ MS → [[WAP-4]] Loco from [[Arakkonam]], [[Erode]] Electric Shed |
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| gauge |
| gauge = {{track gauge|1676mm}} |
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| el |
| el = [[25 kV AC]], [[50 Hz]] (High Voltage traction) |
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| trainnumber |
| trainnumber = 16751/16752 |
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| speed |
| speed = {{convert|59|km/h|abbr=on}} |
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| trainlength = 23 Coaches |
| trainlength = 23 Coaches |
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| |
| owners = Southern Railway |
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| sharing = [[Sethu Superfast Express]]&[AMRITHA EXPRESS ] |
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⚫ | |||
⚫ | |||
| map = [[File:Boatmail Express (Chennai - Rameswaram) Route map.jpg|230px]] |
| map = [[File:Boatmail Express (Chennai - Rameswaram) Route map.jpg|230px]] |
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| map_state = |
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⚫ | |||
}} |
}} |
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The Rameswaram (Boat Mail) Express, previously known as the '''Boat Mail''' or '''Indo-Ceylon Express''', is an express train that connects [[Rameswaram]] with the state capital [[Chennai]] via [[Tambaram railway station|Tambaram]], [[Chengalpattu Junction railway station|Chengalpet]], [[Melmaruvathur|Melmaruvattur]], [[Viluppuram Junction railway station|Viluppuram]], [[Cuddalore Port Junction railway station|Cuddalore port]], [[Chidambaram railway station|Chidambaram]], [[Sirkazhi railway station|Sirkazhi]], [[Mayiladuthurai Junction railway station|Mayiladuthurai]], [[Thanjavur Junction railway station|Tanjore]], [[Tiruchchirappalli Junction railway station|Tiruchchirappalli]], [[Pudukkottai railway station|Pudukkottai]], [[Karaikudi Junction railway station|Karaikudi]], [[Sivaganga railway station|Sivagangai]], [[Manamadurai Junction railway station|Manamadurai]] and [[Ramanathapuram railway station|Ramanathapuram]] |
The Rameswaram (Boat Mail) Express, previously known as the '''Boat Mail''' or '''Indo-Ceylon Express''', is an express train that connects [[Rameswaram]] with the state capital [[Chennai]] via [[Tambaram railway station|Tambaram]], [[Chengalpattu Junction railway station|Chengalpet]], [[Melmaruvathur|Melmaruvattur]], [[Viluppuram Junction railway station|Viluppuram]], [[Cuddalore Port Junction railway station|Cuddalore port]], [[Chidambaram railway station|Chidambaram]], [[Sirkazhi railway station|Sirkazhi]], [[Mayiladuthurai Junction railway station|Mayiladuthurai]], [[Thanjavur Junction railway station|Tanjore]], [[Tiruchchirappalli Junction railway station|Tiruchchirappalli]], [[Pudukkottai railway station|Pudukkottai]], [[Karaikudi Junction railway station|Karaikudi]], [[Sivaganga railway station|Sivagangai]], [[Manamadurai Junction railway station|Manamadurai]], [[Paramakudi|Paramakkudi]] and [[Ramanathapuram railway station|Ramanathapuram]]. During the 1900s, it was a combined [[Transport in India|train]] - [[steamship|steamer]] [[ferry]]- [[Sri Lanka Transport Board|Train]] service between India and [[Ceylon]] (now [[Sri Lanka]]). Connecting [[Chennai]] and [[Colombo]], the system initially utilised a rail-to-sea operation, but changed to a rail-sea-rail operation.<ref name="Famous Trains">http://www.irfca.org/faq/faq-seltrain.html Famous Trains</ref> Passengers could buy a single ticket for the journey from Chennai to Colombo full stretch over sea journey.<ref name="H1" /> After Indian Independence, the ferry service was stopped and Train was running in the name '''Dhanushkodi Express''' from Chennai Egmore to Dhanushkodi. After the Cyclones ruined Dhanushkodi, the train service was stopped. Now, it runs from [[Chennai Egmore]] to [[Rameswaram]] via [[Villuppuram]], [[Kumbakonam]], [[Tiruchchirappalli]], [[Pudukkottai]], [[Karaikkudi]], [[Devakottai]], [[Manamadurai]], [[Paramakkudi]], [[Ramanathapuram]], [[Mandapam]], and [[Pamban]]. |
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This train shared its rake with [[Sethu Express]]&AMRITHA EXPRESS (FROM DECEMBER 31). |
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==History== |
==History== |
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[[File:BoatMail Exp.JPG|thumb|250px|left|Passengers changing their mode of journey at {{stnlnk|Dhanushkodi}}]] |
[[File:BoatMail Exp.JPG|thumb|250px|left|Passengers changing their mode of journey at {{stnlnk|Dhanushkodi}}]] |
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The train's name commemorates the 19th century mail service between Tamil Nadu and Sri Lanka (then Ceylon). It is one of the top most prestigious trains of Indian Railways and it has completed 100 years of service in 2014.<ref name=H1>{{cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Tiruchirapalli/lsquoBoat-Mail-to-run-on-main-line-from-August-1/article16242735.ece|title='Boat Mail' to run on main line from August 1|first=Syed Muthahar|last=Saqaf|date=14 June 2010|work=[[The Hindu]]|access-date=30 November 2022|issn=0971-751X}}</ref> Before cyclone, the train was running as a metre-gauge train from {{stnlnk|Chennai Egmore}} to {{stnlnk|Dhanushkodi}} via {{stnlnk|Chengalpattu Junction}}, {{stnlnk|Viluppuram Junction}}, [[Cuddalore Port Junction railway station|Cuddalore Port Junction]], {{stnlnk|Chidambaram}}, {{stnlnk|Mayiladuthurai Junction}}, {{stnlnk|Kumbakonam}}, {{stnlnk|Thanjavur Junction}}, [[Pudukkottai railway station|Pudukkottai]], {{stnlnk|Karaikkudi Junction}}, |
The train's name commemorates the 19th century mail service between Tamil Nadu and Sri Lanka (then Ceylon). It is one of the top most prestigious trains of Indian Railways and it has completed 100 years of service in 2014.<ref name=H1>{{cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Tiruchirapalli/lsquoBoat-Mail-to-run-on-main-line-from-August-1/article16242735.ece|title='Boat Mail' to run on main line from August 1|first=Syed Muthahar|last=Saqaf|date=14 June 2010|work=[[The Hindu]]|access-date=30 November 2022|issn=0971-751X}}</ref> Before cyclone, the train was running as a metre-gauge train from {{stnlnk|Chennai Egmore}} to {{stnlnk|Dhanushkodi}} via {{stnlnk|Chengalpattu Junction}}, {{stnlnk|Viluppuram Junction}}, [[Cuddalore Port Junction railway station|Cuddalore Port Junction]], {{stnlnk|Chidambaram}}, {{stnlnk|Mayiladuthurai Junction}}, {{stnlnk|Kumbakonam}}, {{stnlnk|Thanjavur Junction}}, [[Pudukkottai railway station|Pudukkottai]], {{stnlnk|Karaikkudi Junction}}, |
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[[Devakottai]], {{stnlnk|Manamadurai Junction}}, {{stnlnk|Ramanathapuram}} and [[Rameswaram]]. Due to the conversion of metre gauge to broad gauge, the train was stopped. After the completion of broad-gauge track in Chennai–Madurai–Rameswaram line, the train is resumed via {{stnlnk|Madurai Junction}}. Later the conversion of Tiruchirappalli–Manamadurai line, this train is rerouted via that route which skips Madurai. Finally the Mayiladuthurai to Thanjavur line is converted to broad gauge once again this train is rerouted via Thanjavur which is the present route of Boat Mail Express.<ref name=H1/> |
[[Devakottai]], [[Sivaganga railway station|Sivagangai]], {{stnlnk|Manamadurai Junction}}, {{stnlnk|Ramanathapuram}} and [[Rameswaram]]. Due to the conversion of metre gauge to broad gauge, the train was stopped. After the completion of broad-gauge track in Chennai–Madurai–Rameswaram line, the train is resumed via {{stnlnk|Madurai Junction}}. Later the conversion of Tiruchirappalli–Manamadurai line, this train is rerouted via that route which skips Madurai. Finally the Mayiladuthurai to Thanjavur line is converted to broad gauge once again this train is rerouted via Thanjavur which is the present route of Boat Mail Express.<ref name=H1/> |
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===Tuticorin–Colombo era=== |
===Tuticorin–Colombo era=== |
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Line 64: | Line 71: | ||
===Dhanushkodi–Talaimannar era=== |
===Dhanushkodi–Talaimannar era=== |
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In 1914, after the [[Pamban Bridge|Pamban bridge]] was built, the train's route changed and it went from Madras to [[Dhanushkodi]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Imperial Indian Mail|url=http://www.trains-worldexpresses.com/400/410.htm|publisher=trains-worldexpresses.com|access-date=30 November 2022}}</ref> A much shorter ferry service then took the passengers to [[Talaimannar]] in Ceylon, from where another train went to Colombo. The {{convert|35|km|mi|adj=on}} long ferry journey was considerably shorter than the {{convert|270|km|mi|adj=on}} long Tuticorin-Colombo route. |
In 1914, after the [[Pamban Bridge|Pamban bridge]] was built, the train's route changed and it went from Madras to [[Dhanushkodi]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Imperial Indian Mail|url=http://www.trains-worldexpresses.com/400/410.htm|publisher=trains-worldexpresses.com|access-date=30 November 2022}}</ref> A much shorter ferry service then took the passengers to [[Talaimannar]] in Ceylon, from where another train went to Colombo. The {{convert|35|km|mi|adj=on}} long ferry journey was considerably shorter than the {{convert|270|km|mi|adj=on}} long Tuticorin-Colombo route. From 1930's, this train has been rerouted from its original route via [[Madurai Junction railway station|Madurai Junction]] to its present-day route due to the opening of Trichinopoly - Manamadurai railway route which is shorter distance in comparison with its original route which leads to reduction in overall travel time. |
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===Post cyclone=== |
===Post cyclone=== |
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In 1964 a passenger train was washed into the sea by huge waves during the [[1964 Rameswaram cyclone|1964 cyclone]], when nearing [[Dhanushkodi]]. The railway tracks and the pier at Dhanushkodi were also destroyed. Following this, the Indian portion of the train service now only operates up to [[Rameswaram]],<ref name="H1"/> while the ferry service to [[Talaimannar]] has restarted from [[Rameswaram]] has been discontinued from 1984 due to [[Tamil Eelam]] issue.<ref>{{cite news|title=India-Sri Lanka ferry service to take off soon: Union minister|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/tamil-nadu/2020/feb/27/india-sri-lanka-ferry-service-to-take-off-soon-union-minister-2109389.html|date=27 February 2020|access-date=30 November 2022|work=[[The New Indian Express]]}}</ref> It now runs between {{stnlnk|Chennai Egmore}} and {{stnlnk|Rameswaram}} via {{stnlnk|Tambaram}}, {{stnlnk|Chengalpattu Junction}}, {{stnlnk|Viluppuram Junction}}, {{stnlnk|Cuddalore Port Junction}} , {{stnlnk|Chidambaram}}, {{stnlnk|Mayiladuthurai Junction}}, {{stnlnk|Kumbakonam}}, {{stnlnk|Thanjavur Junction}}, {{stnlnk|Tiruchirappalli Junction}}, {{stnlnk|Pudukkottai}}, {{stnlnk|Karaikkudi Junction}}, Devakottai Road, [[Kallal]],{{stnlnk|Sivaganga}}, |
In 1964 a passenger train was washed into the sea by huge waves during the [[1964 Rameswaram cyclone|1964 cyclone]], when nearing [[Dhanushkodi]]. The railway tracks and the pier at Dhanushkodi were also destroyed. Following this, the Indian portion of the train service now only operates up to [[Rameswaram]],<ref name="H1"/> while the ferry service to [[Talaimannar]] has restarted from [[Rameswaram]] has been discontinued from 1984 due to [[Tamil Eelam]] issue.<ref>{{cite news|title=India-Sri Lanka ferry service to take off soon: Union minister|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/tamil-nadu/2020/feb/27/india-sri-lanka-ferry-service-to-take-off-soon-union-minister-2109389.html|date=27 February 2020|access-date=30 November 2022|work=[[The New Indian Express]]}}</ref> It now runs between {{stnlnk|Chennai Egmore}} and {{stnlnk|Rameswaram}} via {{stnlnk|Tambaram}}, {{stnlnk|Chengalpattu Junction}}, {{stnlnk|Viluppuram Junction}}, {{stnlnk|Cuddalore Port Junction}} , {{stnlnk|Chidambaram}}, {{stnlnk|Mayiladuthurai Junction}}, {{stnlnk|Kumbakonam}}, {{stnlnk|Thanjavur Junction}}, {{stnlnk|Tiruchirappalli Junction}}, {{stnlnk|Pudukkottai}}, {{stnlnk|Karaikkudi Junction}}, Devakottai Road, [[Kallal]], {{stnlnk|Sivaganga}}, {{stnlnk|Manamadurai Junction}}, and {{stnlnk|Ramanathapuram}} in the Indian end where as it runs as Colombo - Thalaimannar '''Night Mail express''' at Sri Lankan end. |
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⚫ | |||
==Schedule== |
==Schedule== |
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[[File: Boat Mail Express Large Name Board ( office lens ).jpg|200px|thumb|right]] |
[[File: Boat Mail Express Large Name Board ( office lens ).jpg|200px|thumb|right]] |
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* |
* 16751 – Starts from Chennai Egmore daily at 19:15 IST and reaches Rameswaram next day at 08:20 AM IST |
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* |
* 16752 – Leaves Rameswaram every day at 17:20 IST and reaches Chennai Egmore next day morning 06:45 IST |
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{| class="wikitable sortable" width="65%" style="text-align: center;" |
{| class="wikitable sortable" width="65%" style="text-align: center;" |
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Line 86: | Line 91: | ||
|- |
|- |
||
|[[Chennai Egmore railway station|Chennai Egmore]] |
|[[Chennai Egmore railway station|Chennai Egmore]] |
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| SOURCE |
| MS |
||
|SOURCE |
|||
| |
|||
|19:15 |
|19:15 |
||
|1 |
|1 |
||
|- |
|- |
||
|[[Tambaram]] |
|[[Tambaram railway station|Tambaram]] |
||
|TBM |
|TBM |
||
|19:43 |
|19:43 |
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Line 103: | Line 108: | ||
|1 |
|1 |
||
|- |
|- |
||
|[[Melmaruvathur]] |
|[[Melmaruvathur railway station|Melmaruvathur]] |
||
|MLMR |
|MLMR |
||
|20:38 |
|20:38 |
||
Line 121: | Line 126: | ||
|1 |
|1 |
||
|- |
|- |
||
|[[Chidambaram]] |
|[[Chidambaram railway station|Chidambaram]] |
||
|CDM |
|CDM |
||
|23:08 |
|23:08 |
||
Line 127: | Line 132: | ||
|1 |
|1 |
||
|- |
|- |
||
|[[Sirkazhi]] |
|[[Sirkazhi railway station|Sirkazhi]] |
||
|SY |
|SY |
||
|23:26 |
|23:26 |
||
Line 139: | Line 144: | ||
|1 |
|1 |
||
|- |
|- |
||
|[[Kumbakonam]] |
|[[Kumbakonam railway station|Kumbakonam]] |
||
|KMU |
|KMU |
||
|00:25 |
|00:25 |
||
Line 145: | Line 150: | ||
|2 |
|2 |
||
|- |
|- |
||
|[[Thanjavur Junction]] |
|[[Thanjavur Junction railway station|Thanjavur Junction]] |
||
|TJ |
|TJ |
||
|01:00 |
|01:00 |
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Line 151: | Line 156: | ||
|2 |
|2 |
||
|- |
|- |
||
|[[ |
|[[Tiruchchirappalli Junction railway station|Tiruchchirappalli Junction]] |
||
|TPJ |
|TPJ |
||
|02:50 |
|02:50 |
||
Line 157: | Line 162: | ||
|2 |
|2 |
||
|- |
|- |
||
|[[Pudukottai]] |
|[[Pudukkottai railway station|Pudukottai]] |
||
|PDKT |
|PDKT |
||
|03:43 |
|03:43 |
||
Line 163: | Line 168: | ||
|2 |
|2 |
||
|- |
|- |
||
|[[ |
|[[Karaikkudi Junction railway station|Karaikkudi Junction]] |
||
|KKDI |
|KKDI |
||
|04:10 |
|04:10 |
||
Line 169: | Line 174: | ||
|2 |
|2 |
||
|- |
|- |
||
|[[Devakottai |
|[[Devakottai Road railway station|Devakottai Road]] |
||
|DKO |
|DKO |
||
|04:19 |
|04:19 |
||
Line 175: | Line 180: | ||
|2 |
|2 |
||
|- |
|- |
||
|[[Sivaganga]] |
|[[Sivaganga railway station|Sivaganga]] |
||
|SVGA |
|SVGA |
||
|04:39 |
|04:39 |
||
Line 181: | Line 186: | ||
|2 |
|2 |
||
|- |
|- |
||
|[[Manamadurai]] |
|[[Manamadurai Junction railway station|Manamadurai Junction]] |
||
|MNM |
|MNM |
||
|05:35 |
|05:35 |
||
Line 187: | Line 192: | ||
|2 |
|2 |
||
|- |
|- |
||
|[[Paramakkudi]] |
|[[Paramakkudi railway station|Paramakkudi]] |
||
|PMK |
|PMK |
||
|06:03 |
|06:03 |
||
Line 193: | Line 198: | ||
|2 |
|2 |
||
|- |
|- |
||
|[[Ramanathapuram]] |
|[[Ramanathapuram railway station|Ramanathapuram]] |
||
|RMD |
|RMD |
||
|06:30 |
|06:30 |
||
Line 199: | Line 204: | ||
|2 |
|2 |
||
|- |
|- |
||
|[[Mandapam]] |
|[[Mandapam railway station|Mandapam]] |
||
|MMM |
|MMM |
||
|07:08 |
|07:08 |
||
Line 205: | Line 210: | ||
|2 |
|2 |
||
|- |
|- |
||
|[[Pamban]] |
|[[Pamban railway station|Pamban]] |
||
|PBM |
|PBM |
||
|07:22 |
|07:22 |
||
Line 211: | Line 216: | ||
|2 |
|2 |
||
|- |
|- |
||
|[[Rameswaram]] |
|[[Rameswaram railway station|Rameswaram]] |
||
|RMM |
|RMM |
||
|08:20 |
|08:20 |
||
Line 219: | Line 224: | ||
! colspan="5" align="center" style="background:#e8a317;" |<span style="color:#000000;">16752 - Rameswaram → Chennai Egmore ~ Rameswaram (Boat Mail) Express</span> |
! colspan="5" align="center" style="background:#e8a317;" |<span style="color:#000000;">16752 - Rameswaram → Chennai Egmore ~ Rameswaram (Boat Mail) Express</span> |
||
|- |
|- |
||
|[[Rameswaram]] |
|[[Rameswaram railway station|Rameswaram]] |
||
|RMM |
|RMM |
||
|SOURCE |
|SOURCE |
||
Line 225: | Line 230: | ||
|1 |
|1 |
||
|- |
|- |
||
|[[Pamban]] |
|[[Pamban railway station|Pamban]] |
||
|RMD |
|RMD |
||
|17:36 |
|17:36 |
||
Line 231: | Line 236: | ||
|1 |
|1 |
||
|- |
|- |
||
|[[Mandapam]] |
|[[Mandapam railway station|Mandapam]] |
||
|MMM |
|MMM |
||
|17:58 |
|17:58 |
||
Line 237: | Line 242: | ||
|1 |
|1 |
||
|- |
|- |
||
|[[Ramanathapuram]] |
|[[Ramanathapuram railway station|Ramanathapuram]] |
||
|RMD |
|RMD |
||
|18:28 |
|18:28 |
||
Line 243: | Line 248: | ||
|1 |
|1 |
||
|- |
|- |
||
|[[Paramakkudi]] |
|[[Paramakudi railway station|Paramakkudi]] |
||
|PMK |
|PMK |
||
|18:53 |
|18:53 |
||
Line 249: | Line 254: | ||
|1 |
|1 |
||
|- |
|- |
||
|[[Manamadurai]] |
|[[Manamadurai Junction railway station|Manamadurai Junction]] |
||
|MNM |
|MNM |
||
|19:20 |
|19:20 |
||
Line 255: | Line 260: | ||
|1 |
|1 |
||
|- |
|- |
||
|[[Sivaganga]] |
|[[Sivaganga railway station|Sivaganga]] |
||
|SVGA |
|SVGA |
||
|19:45 |
|19:45 |
||
Line 261: | Line 266: | ||
|1 |
|1 |
||
|- |
|- |
||
|[[Kallal]] |
|[[Kallal railway station|Kallal]] |
||
|KAL |
|KAL |
||
|20:05 |
|20:05 |
||
Line 267: | Line 272: | ||
|1 |
|1 |
||
|- |
|- |
||
|[[Devakottai |
|[[Devakottai Road railway station|Devakottai Road]] |
||
|DKQ |
|DKQ |
||
|20:15 |
|20:15 |
||
Line 273: | Line 278: | ||
|1 |
|1 |
||
|- |
|- |
||
|[[ |
|[[Karaikkudi Junction railway station|Karaikkudi Junction]] |
||
|KKDI |
|KKDI |
||
|20:30 |
|20:30 |
||
Line 279: | Line 284: | ||
|1 |
|1 |
||
|- |
|- |
||
|[[Pudukottai]] |
|[[Pudukkottai railway station|Pudukottai]] |
||
|PDKT |
|PDKT |
||
|21:04 |
|21:04 |
||
Line 285: | Line 290: | ||
|1 |
|1 |
||
|- |
|- |
||
|[[ |
|[[Tiruchchirappalli Junction railway station|Tiruchchirappalli Junction]] |
||
|TPJ |
|TPJ |
||
|23:00 |
|23:00 |
||
Line 291: | Line 296: | ||
|1 |
|1 |
||
|- |
|- |
||
|[[Thanjavur Junction]] |
|[[Thanjavur Junction railway station|Thanjavur Junction]] |
||
|TJ |
|TJ |
||
|00:00 |
|00:00 |
||
Line 297: | Line 302: | ||
|1 |
|1 |
||
|- |
|- |
||
|[[Kumbakonam]] |
|[[Kumbakonam railway station|Kumbakonam]] |
||
|KMU |
|KMU |
||
|00:34 |
|00:34 |
||
Line 309: | Line 314: | ||
|2 |
|2 |
||
|- |
|- |
||
| Sirkazhi |
| [[Sirkazhi railway station|Sirkazhi]] |
||
|SY |
|SY |
||
|01:43 |
|01:43 |
||
Line 315: | Line 320: | ||
|2 |
|2 |
||
|- |
|- |
||
|[[Chidambaram]] |
|[[Chidambaram railway station|Chidambaram]] |
||
|CDM |
|CDM |
||
|02:00 |
|02:00 |
||
Line 321: | Line 326: | ||
|2 |
|2 |
||
|- |
|- |
||
| Cuddalore Port Junction |
|[[Cuddalore Port Junction railway station|Cuddalore Port Junction]] |
||
|CUPJ |
|CUPJ |
||
|02:31 |
|02:31 |
||
Line 327: | Line 332: | ||
|2 |
|2 |
||
|- |
|- |
||
|[[ |
|[[Villupuram Junction railway station|Villupuram Junction]] |
||
|VM |
|VM |
||
|04:20 |
|04:20 |
||
Line 333: | Line 338: | ||
|2 |
|2 |
||
|- |
|- |
||
|[[Melmaruvathur]] |
|[[Melmaruvathur railway station|Melmaruvathur]] |
||
|MLMR |
|MLMR |
||
|05:13 |
|05:13 |
||
Line 345: | Line 350: | ||
|2 |
|2 |
||
|- |
|- |
||
|[[Tambaram]] |
|[[Tambaram railway station|Tambaram]] |
||
|TBM |
|TBM |
||
|06:18 |
|06:18 |
||
Line 351: | Line 356: | ||
|2 |
|2 |
||
|- |
|- |
||
|[[Mambalam]] |
|[[Mambalam railway station|Mambalam]] |
||
|MBM |
|MBM |
||
|06:38 |
|06:38 |
||
Line 404: | Line 409: | ||
==Alternative proposals== |
==Alternative proposals== |
||
At one time the [[South Indian Railway Company|South Indian Railway]] considered constructing a bridge {{convert|12|mi|km}} long across the shallow waters and sand shoals and reefs known as |
At one time the [[South Indian Railway Company|South Indian Railway]] considered constructing a bridge {{convert|12|mi|km}} long across the shallow waters and sand shoals and reefs known as [[Adam's Bridge]] between [[India]] and [[Sri Lanka]]. However, this plan was shelved when [[World War I]] broke out. |
||
==Locomotive== |
==Locomotive== |
||
* Rameswaram (Boat Mail) Express Running Chennai to Trichy with [[WAP-4]] Locomotive from [[Erode]], [[Arakkonam]] Electric Shed. |
* Rameswaram (Boat Mail) Express Running Chennai to Trichy with [[WAP-4]] Locomotive from [[Erode]], [[Arakkonam]] Electric Shed. |
||
⚫ | |||
⚫ | |||
== See also == |
== See also == |
||
*[[Alavandar murder case|Alavandan Murder Case]] |
|||
*[[List of named passenger trains of Sri Lanka]] |
*[[List of named passenger trains of Sri Lanka]] |
||
*[[Rail transport in India]] |
*[[Rail transport in India]] |
Latest revision as of 05:33, 16 October 2024
Boat Mail Express | |||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Overview | |||||
Service type | Mail/Express | ||||
Status | Active | ||||
Locale | Tamil Nadu | ||||
Predecessor | Indo-Ceylon Express | ||||
First service | 24 February 1914 | ||||
Last service | Operation till now | ||||
Successor | Rameswaram Express | ||||
Current operator(s) | Southern Railway zone | ||||
Former operator(s) | South Indian Railway (SIR) | ||||
Ridership | Mail/Express | ||||
Website | www.indianrailways.gov.in | ||||
Route | |||||
Termini | Chennai Egmore (MS) Mandapam (MMM) | ||||
Stops | 20 | ||||
Distance travelled | 665 km (413 mi) | ||||
Average journey time | 12 hours 30min | ||||
Service frequency | Daily | ||||
Train number(s) | 16751/16752 | ||||
Line(s) used | Main Line | ||||
On-board services | |||||
Class(es) |
| ||||
Disabled access | |||||
Seating arrangements | Yes (Un-Reserved Compartment) | ||||
Sleeping arrangements | Yes (Berth) | ||||
Catering facilities | E-Catering
| ||||
Observation facilities | Large windows | ||||
Entertainment facilities | No | ||||
Baggage facilities | AVAILABLE | ||||
Other facilities | BIO TOILET | ||||
Technical | |||||
Rolling stock | |||||
Track gauge | 1,676 mm (5 ft 6 in) | ||||
Electrification | 25 kV AC, 50 Hz (High Voltage traction) | ||||
Operating speed | 59 km/h (37 mph) | ||||
Average length | 23 Coaches | ||||
Track owner(s) | Southern Railway | ||||
Rake maintenance | Ramanathapuram | ||||
Rake sharing | Sethu Superfast Express&[AMRITHA EXPRESS ] | ||||
|
The Rameswaram (Boat Mail) Express, previously known as the Boat Mail or Indo-Ceylon Express, is an express train that connects Rameswaram with the state capital Chennai via Tambaram, Chengalpet, Melmaruvattur, Viluppuram, Cuddalore port, Chidambaram, Sirkazhi, Mayiladuthurai, Tanjore, Tiruchchirappalli, Pudukkottai, Karaikudi, Sivagangai, Manamadurai, Paramakkudi and Ramanathapuram. During the 1900s, it was a combined train - steamer ferry- Train service between India and Ceylon (now Sri Lanka). Connecting Chennai and Colombo, the system initially utilised a rail-to-sea operation, but changed to a rail-sea-rail operation.[1] Passengers could buy a single ticket for the journey from Chennai to Colombo full stretch over sea journey.[2] After Indian Independence, the ferry service was stopped and Train was running in the name Dhanushkodi Express from Chennai Egmore to Dhanushkodi. After the Cyclones ruined Dhanushkodi, the train service was stopped. Now, it runs from Chennai Egmore to Rameswaram via Villuppuram, Kumbakonam, Tiruchchirappalli, Pudukkottai, Karaikkudi, Devakottai, Manamadurai, Paramakkudi, Ramanathapuram, Mandapam, and Pamban.
This train shared its rake with Sethu Express&AMRITHA EXPRESS (FROM DECEMBER 31).
History
[edit]The train's name commemorates the 19th century mail service between Tamil Nadu and Sri Lanka (then Ceylon). It is one of the top most prestigious trains of Indian Railways and it has completed 100 years of service in 2014.[2] Before cyclone, the train was running as a metre-gauge train from Chennai Egmore to Dhanushkodi via Chengalpattu Junction, Viluppuram Junction, Cuddalore Port Junction, Chidambaram, Mayiladuthurai Junction, Kumbakonam, Thanjavur Junction, Pudukkottai, Karaikkudi Junction, Devakottai, Sivagangai, Manamadurai Junction, Ramanathapuram and Rameswaram. Due to the conversion of metre gauge to broad gauge, the train was stopped. After the completion of broad-gauge track in Chennai–Madurai–Rameswaram line, the train is resumed via Madurai Junction. Later the conversion of Tiruchirappalli–Manamadurai line, this train is rerouted via that route which skips Madurai. Finally the Mayiladuthurai to Thanjavur line is converted to broad gauge once again this train is rerouted via Thanjavur which is the present route of Boat Mail Express.[2]
Tuticorin–Colombo era
[edit]In the late 19th century, the train was inaugurated on 1 January 1880. The railway portion of the route within India was from Madras (Chennai) to Tuticorin. At Tuticorin, passengers embarked on the boat mail steamer to Colombo in Ceylon. The train took 21 hours and 50 minutes for the journey from Madras to Tuticorin. The Boat Mail was one of the early trains to be given vestibuled carriages, in 1898.[1] Presently this train route is running as Pearl City Express.
Dhanushkodi–Talaimannar era
[edit]In 1914, after the Pamban bridge was built, the train's route changed and it went from Madras to Dhanushkodi.[3] A much shorter ferry service then took the passengers to Talaimannar in Ceylon, from where another train went to Colombo. The 35-kilometre (22 mi) long ferry journey was considerably shorter than the 270-kilometre (170 mi) long Tuticorin-Colombo route. From 1930's, this train has been rerouted from its original route via Madurai Junction to its present-day route due to the opening of Trichinopoly - Manamadurai railway route which is shorter distance in comparison with its original route which leads to reduction in overall travel time.
Post cyclone
[edit]In 1964 a passenger train was washed into the sea by huge waves during the 1964 cyclone, when nearing Dhanushkodi. The railway tracks and the pier at Dhanushkodi were also destroyed. Following this, the Indian portion of the train service now only operates up to Rameswaram,[2] while the ferry service to Talaimannar has restarted from Rameswaram has been discontinued from 1984 due to Tamil Eelam issue.[4] It now runs between Chennai Egmore and Rameswaram via Tambaram, Chengalpattu Junction, Viluppuram Junction, Cuddalore Port Junction , Chidambaram, Mayiladuthurai Junction, Kumbakonam, Thanjavur Junction, Tiruchirappalli Junction, Pudukkottai, Karaikkudi Junction, Devakottai Road, Kallal, Sivaganga, Manamadurai Junction, and Ramanathapuram in the Indian end where as it runs as Colombo - Thalaimannar Night Mail express at Sri Lankan end.
Schedule
[edit]- 16751 – Starts from Chennai Egmore daily at 19:15 IST and reaches Rameswaram next day at 08:20 AM IST
- 16752 – Leaves Rameswaram every day at 17:20 IST and reaches Chennai Egmore next day morning 06:45 IST
16751 - Chennai Egmore → Rameswaram ~ Rameswaram (Boat Mail) Express | ||||
---|---|---|---|---|
Station/Junction Name | Station Code | Arrival | Departure | Day |
Chennai Egmore | MS | SOURCE | 19:15 | 1 |
Tambaram | TBM | 19:43 | 19:45 | 1 |
Chengalpattu Junction | CGL | 20:13 | 20:15 | 1 |
Melmaruvathur | MLMR | 20:38 | 20:40 | 1 |
Villupuram Junction | VM | 21:50 | 21:55 | 1 |
Cuddalore Port Junction | CUPJ | 22:38 | 22:40 | 1 |
Chidambaram | CDM | 23:08 | 23:10 | 1 |
Sirkazhi | SY | 23:26 | 23:27 | 1 |
Mayiladuthurai Junction | MV | 23:55 | 23:57 | 1 |
Kumbakonam | KMU | 00:25 | 00:27 | 2 |
Thanjavur Junction | TJ | 01:00 | 01:02 | 2 |
Tiruchchirappalli Junction | TPJ | 02:50 | 03:00 | 2 |
Pudukottai | PDKT | 03:43 | 03:45 | 2 |
Karaikkudi Junction | KKDI | 04:10 | 04:12 | 2 |
Devakottai Road | DKO | 04:19 | 04:20 | 2 |
Sivaganga | SVGA | 04:39 | 04:30 | 2 |
Manamadurai Junction | MNM | 05:35 | 05:40 | 2 |
Paramakkudi | PMK | 06:03 | 06:05 | 2 |
Ramanathapuram | RMD | 06:30 | 06:32 | 2 |
Mandapam | MMM | 07:08 | 07:09 | 2 |
Pamban | PBM | 07:22 | 07:23 | 2 |
Rameswaram | RMM | 08:20 | DEST | 2 |
16752 - Rameswaram → Chennai Egmore ~ Rameswaram (Boat Mail) Express | ||||
Rameswaram | RMM | SOURCE | 17:10 | 1 |
Pamban | RMD | 17:36 | 17:37 | 1 |
Mandapam | MMM | 17:58 | 18:00 | 1 |
Ramanathapuram | RMD | 18:28 | 18:30 | 1 |
Paramakkudi | PMK | 18:53 | 18:55 | 1 |
Manamadurai Junction | MNM | 19:20 | 19:25 | 1 |
Sivaganga | SVGA | 19:45 | 19:47 | 1 |
Kallal | KAL | 20:05 | 20:06 | 1 |
Devakottai Road | DKQ | 20:15 | 20:16 | 1 |
Karaikkudi Junction | KKDI | 20:30 | 20:32 | 1 |
Pudukottai | PDKT | 21:04 | 21:05 | 1 |
Tiruchchirappalli Junction | TPJ | 23:00 | 23:10 | 1 |
Thanjavur Junction | TJ | 00:00 | 00:02 | 1 |
Kumbakonam | KMU | 00:34 | 00:36 | 2 |
Mayiladuthurai Junction | MV | 01:18 | 01:20 | 2 |
Sirkazhi | SY | 01:43 | 01:45 | 2 |
Chidambaram | CDM | 02:00 | 02:02 | 2 |
Cuddalore Port Junction | CUPJ | 02:31 | 02:32 | 2 |
Villupuram Junction | VM | 04:20 | 04:25 | 2 |
Melmaruvathur | MLMR | 05:13 | 05:15 | 2 |
Chengalpattu Junction | CGL | 05:48 | 05:50 | 2 |
Tambaram | TBM | 06:18 | 06:20 | 2 |
Mambalam | MBM | 06:38 | 06:40 | 2 |
Chennai Egmore | MS | 07:20 | DEST | 2 |
Traction
[edit]The Rameswaram to Tiruchchirappalli section is hauled by a WDM-3A/WDG-3A Diesel locomotive and Tiruchchirappalli to Chennai Egmore by a WAP-4 electric loco. The same locomotive types are used on the return journey. Between Tiruchchirappalli Junction and Chennai Egmore, this train achieves a maximum speed of 110 km/h.[5][6]
Coach composition
[edit]The train consists of 23 coaches, which shares its rakes with Sethu Superfast Express, operates daily and covers a distance of 667 km (414 mi). It includes One AC First Class cum 2nd AC (HA), AC 2 Tier (A), AC 3 Tier (B), Sleeper Class (SL), Unreserved general sitting coach (GS) and End on Generators (SLRD).
Loco | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 22 | 23 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
SLR | GS | GS | S1 | S2 | S3 | S4 | S5 | S6 | S7 | S8 | S9 | S10 | S11 | S12 | S13 | B3 | B2 | B1 | A1 | HA1 | GS | SLR |
Alternative proposals
[edit]At one time the South Indian Railway considered constructing a bridge 12 miles (19 km) long across the shallow waters and sand shoals and reefs known as Adam's Bridge between India and Sri Lanka. However, this plan was shelved when World War I broke out.
Locomotive
[edit]- Rameswaram (Boat Mail) Express Running Chennai to Trichy with WAP-4 Locomotive from Erode, Arakkonam Electric Shed.
- Trichy - Rameswaram WDM-3A, WDG-3A Locomotive from Diesel Loco Shed, Golden RockTrains first came to India and Sri Lanka about 200 years ago in the 1850s.
See also
[edit]- Alavandan Murder Case
- List of named passenger trains of Sri Lanka
- Rail transport in India
- Ananthapuri Express
- Chennai Egmore-Nagercoil Weekly Superfast Express
- Nellai Superfast Express
- Pallavan Superfast Express
- Vaigai Superfast Express
- Rockfort (Malaikottai) Superfast Express
- Chendur Superfast Express
- Pearl City (Muthunagar) Superfast Express
- Pandian Superfast Express
- Kanniyakumari Superfast Express
- Pothigai Superfast Express
- Uzhavan Express
References
[edit]- ^ a b http://www.irfca.org/faq/faq-seltrain.html Famous Trains
- ^ a b c d Saqaf, Syed Muthahar (14 June 2010). "'Boat Mail' to run on main line from August 1". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 30 November 2022.
- ^ "Imperial Indian Mail". trains-worldexpresses.com. Retrieved 30 November 2022.
- ^ "India-Sri Lanka ferry service to take off soon: Union minister". The New Indian Express. 27 February 2020. Retrieved 30 November 2022.
- ^ "16701/Chennai Egmore–Rameswaram (Boat Mail) Express". India Rail Info.
- ^ "16702⇒16102/Boat Mail (Rameswaram Express)". India Rail Info.
- History of transport in Sri Lanka
- Ferry transport in Sri Lanka
- Defunct trains in India
- Ferry transport in India
- Named passenger trains of Sri Lanka
- Named passenger trains of India
- Transport in Chennai
- Transport in Rameswaram
- Rail transport in Tamil Nadu
- Railway services introduced in 1914
- Express trains in India