Service type Superfast Express | Current operator(s) Southern Railway | |
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Locale Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka First service May 1, 1998; 18 years ago (1998-05-01) Start Lokmanya Tilak Terminus Stops 24 halts (only for 12619) and 22 halts (only for 12620) | ||
Matsyagandha Express is a daily superfast train running between Lokmanya Tilak Terminus (Mumbai) and Mangalore Central.
Contents
Background
Matsyagandha literally means "Smell of Fish" - the appellation was given since the train runs along the fishing coast of Western India adjoining the Arabian sea - Konkan railway route. The train has become important link and emotional chord for natives of Dakshina Kannada, Karwar and Udupi districts living in Mumbai and surrounding cities.
Locomotion
As the route is not completely electrified, an Erode (ED) or Golden Rock (GOC) based WDP-4D or WDM-3D hauls the train end to end.
Rake Sharing
It shares its rake with the 16347/16348 Thiruvanthapuram Mangaluru Express.
Accident
This service had a major accident on 16 June 2004, known as the Karanjadi train crash. It derailed and fell off a bridge after colliding with boulders on the tracks, killing 14 people near Karanjadi station.