Service type Express Train Locale Tamil Nadu Start Chennai Egmore (MS) | Status Operating Current operator(s) Southern Railway Zone | |
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First service 24 February 1914; 103 years ago (1914-02-24) | ||
The Boat Mail Express, also known as the Indo-Ceylon Express, is a train operated by the Southern Railway unit of Indian Railways.
Contents
History
It initially ran between Chennai Egmore and Dhanushkodi and now runs between Chennai Egmore and Rameswaram via Chengalpattu, Villupuram, Cuddalore, Chidambaram, Mayiladuthurai, Kumbakonam, Thanjavur, Tiruchirappalli, Pudukkottai, Karaikudi, Sivagangai and Ramanathapuram. 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.
Traction
The section between Rameswaram to Villupuram is hauled by a WDM3A/2 Diesel locomotive and Villupuram to Chennai Egmore by a WAP7 Electric loco. The same locomotive types are used on the return journey. Between Tiruchirappalli and Tambaram, this train achieves a maximum speed of 110 km/Hr.
Coach composition
The train consists of 19 coaches, operates daily and covers a distance of 667 km (414 mi), running at a top speed of 110 km/h (68 mph)