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Kerala Express
Kerala Express
Kerala Express
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Kerala Express
Kerala Express cruising near Warangal.
Overview
Service typeSuperfast
First service10 January 1977; 48 years ago (1977-01-10) (split train as Kerala–Karnataka (KK) Express )[1]
1983; 42 years ago (1983) (as Kerala Express)[2]
Current operatorSouthern Railway
Route
TerminiNew Delhi (NDLS)
Thiruvananthapuram Central (TVC)
Stops41
Distance travelled3,031 km (1,883 mi)
Average journey time49 hours 25 minutes
Service frequencyDaily
Train number12625 / 12626
On-board services
ClassesAC 2 Tier, AC 3 Tier, AC 3 Tier Economy, Sleeper Class, General Unreserved
Seating arrangementsYes
Sleeping arrangementsYes
Catering facilitiesAvailable
Observation facilitiesLarge windows
Baggage facilitiesAvailable
Other facilitiesBelow the seats
Technical
Rolling stockLHB coach
Track gauge1,676 mm (5 ft 6 in)
Operating speed130 km/h (81 mph) maximum,
61 km/h (38 mph) average including halts.
Route map

The 12625 / 12626 Kerala Express is a superfast express train of the Indian Railways that connects the National Capital of India New Delhi to State Capital of Kerala Thiruvananthapuram Central. It is the second longest running daily train in India after 22503/22504 Dibrugarh Kanniyakumari Dibrugarh Vivek Superfast Express which runs daily that travels 4139 km in more than 70 hours . The Kerala express travels 3031 km of distance in 51 hours and 10 minutes .

History

[edit]

The Kerala Express was introduced in 1977 as a split train named Kerala–Karnataka (KK) Express.[3] The composition of Karnataka–Kerala Express has been increased from 14 coaches to 21 coaches with effect from 29 January 1981.[4]

Kerala Exp briefly also had a link portion to Mangalore between 1987 and 1992, where a portion of this train used to bifurcate/amalgamate at Palakkad Junction. It was Christined 2625/2626A Link Mangala Exp. This arrangement continued until Mangala Exp was made an independent train in 1993. That train is now the Mangala-Lakshadweep Express.

The train is running with LHB rakes with effect from 4 November 2018.[5]

Kerala Express – LHB coach – End on Generator coach
Kerala Express – LHB coach – AC 2 tier
Kerala Express – LHB coach – AC 3 tier
Kerala Express – LHB coach – Sleeper class

Traction

[edit]

It is hauled by a Royapuram Loco Shed / Erode Loco Shed based WAP-7 electric locomotive from end to end.

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Kerala Express

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
The Kerala Express (train numbers 12625/12626) is a daily superfast express train operated by the Southern Railway zone of Indian Railways, connecting New Delhi with Thiruvananthapuram Central, the capital of Kerala, over a distance of approximately 3,031 kilometers. This long-distance service takes about 49 hours 40 minutes southbound and 49 hours 15 minutes northbound to complete the journey, makes 41 intermediate stops and maintains an average speed of around 61 km/h, with a maximum permissible speed of 130 km/h. The northbound train (12626) departs New Delhi at 20:10 and arrives at Thiruvananthapuram Central at 21:50 on the third day, while the southbound (12625) leaves Thiruvananthapuram Central at 12:15 and arrives at New Delhi at 13:30 on the third day. It features a Linke-Hofmann-Busch (LHB) rake with 22 coaches, including a pantry car for on-board catering, and accommodates AC 2-tier (2A), AC 3-tier (3A), AC 3 Economy (3E), Sleeper class (SL), and unreserved General Seating (GS). Fully converted to LHB coaches by 2020, with minor revisions as of June 2025. Introduced on 10 January 1977 as the Kerala-Karnataka Express—a tri-weekly service that split at Jolarpettai Junction to serve both and Bengaluru—the train was renamed and converted to a daily Kerala-only route in the mid-1990s to meet growing demand from the and tourists. Over the years, it has become one of 's longest-distance daily trains, occasionally subject to diversions or rescheduling due to maintenance works on the route, which spans multiple railway zones including Northern, North Central, Central, South Central, and Southern. The service plays a vital role in facilitating economic and cultural ties between northern and , carrying hundreds of thousands of passengers annually.

Route

Overview

The Kerala Express is a prominent superfast service operated by the of the , connecting the national capital with the southern city of Central in . It runs as train number 12626 in the southbound direction from New Delhi to Central and as train number 12625 in the northbound direction from Central to New Delhi. Classified as a daily service, it caters to long-distance travel needs between northern and the southern state of . The train covers a total distance of 3,031 km over its entire route. The average journey time is approximately 49 hours 15 minutes, reflecting its extensive traversal across multiple states. It operates at a maximum speed of 130 km/h, with an average speed including halts of 62 km/h, enabling efficient superfast connectivity despite the long duration. As one of India's longest daily-running trains, the Kerala Express plays a vital role in linking northern regions with , facilitating passenger movement for , business, and family reunions across the country.

Key Stops and Distance

The Kerala Express operates on a north-south route spanning , commencing at (NDLS) and terminating at Central (TVC) for the southbound journey (train number 12626), with the northbound service (12625) reversing this path. The train traverses multiple states, including , , , and , before entering , , and finally . With a total of 40 halts along its 3,031 km journey, the train makes scheduled stops at major junctions to facilitate passenger boarding and locomotive changes. Key intermediate stops include Junction (MTJ), Cantt (AGC), Junction (GWL), Junction (JHS), Junction (BPL), Nagpur Junction (NGP), Secunderabad Junction (SC), Vijayawada Junction (BZA), Coimbatore Junction (CBE), Junction (ERS), and Junction (QLN), among others. These stations serve as critical points for regional connectivity, reflecting the train's role in linking northern urban centers with southern destinations. The route can be segmented into major portions to highlight its progression: approximately 703 km from to , covering the initial northern stretch; about 842 km from to , navigating ; and roughly 1,487 km from to Thiruvananthapuram Central, forming the longest southern leg. These segments underscore the train's extensive coverage, with the full distance emphasizing its status as one of India's premier long-haul services. Geographically, the Kerala Express transitions through diverse terrains, beginning in the flat northern plains of , ascending into the central highlands of and , crossing the Deccan Plateau in and , and culminating in the undulating as it approaches . This varied topography influences the train's operational dynamics, including speed variations and scenic appeal for passengers.

Schedule and Operations

Timetable

The Kerala Express operates on a fixed daily timetable, with southbound train number 12626 departing (NDLS) at 20:10 on Day 1 and arriving at (TVC) at 21:50 on Day 3, covering the 3,031 km journey in 49 hours and 40 minutes. This schedule includes 40 scheduled halts, with typical stop durations of 2–10 minutes each, contributing approximately 3–4 hours to the total travel time beyond running duration. Key intermediate timings for the southbound journey highlight its progression: it reaches Agra Cantt approximately 2 hours and 10 minutes after departure (arrival 22:20, halt 5 minutes), Junction about 9 hours and 10 minutes from origin (arrival 05:20 on Day 2, halt 5 minutes), and Junction around 26 hours after departure (arrival 22:15 on Day 2, halt 10 minutes). These timings reflect the train's steady pace across northern, central, and southern , with longer halts at major junctions for operational efficiency. The northbound service, train number 12625, departs TVC at 12:15 on Day 1 and arrives at NDLS at 13:30 on Day 3, completing the route in 49 hours and 15 minutes, also with 41 halts that add to the overall duration. Notable stops include Junction (arrival 13:03 on Day 2, halt 2 minutes), Junction (arrival 03:45 on Day 3, halt 10 minutes), and Agra Cantt (arrival 10:10 on Day 3, halt 5 minutes), providing a reverse temporal flow for return travelers. Post-2021 updates have streamlined the , reducing the journey from earlier reported durations of around 51 hours in pre-2020 sources to the current 49 hours, though occasional variations occur due to or seasonal demands, such as 90-minute on specific dates like September 28, 2024, or rescheduling to later departures in May 2025. These adjustments are announced via official channels and do not alter the standard daily rhythm.

Frequency and Classes

The Kerala Express operates as a daily service in both directions, departing from (train number 12626) and (train number 12625) every day of the week, providing consistent connectivity along its route. It offers a range of accommodation classes to cater to diverse passenger needs, including AC 2 Tier (2A) for premium seating and sleeping arrangements, AC 3 Tier (3A) for mid-range air-conditioned travel, AC 3 Tier Economy (3E) as a cost-effective AC option, Sleeper Class (SL) for non-AC overnight journeys, and General Unreserved (UR) seating for budget travelers without prior reservation. As of June 2025, the coach composition was revised to enhance capacity with 2 AC 2-tier, 4 AC 3-tier, 2 AC 3-economy, 6 sleeper class, 4 general unreserved, 1 pantry car, and associated service coaches. The train's rake typically accommodates approximately 1,300 to 1,500 passengers, distributed across reserved quotas for AC classes, sleeper, and other categories, with two general unreserved coaches for immediate boarding. Bookings can be made up to 60 days in advance through the ' IRCTC platform, with Tatkal quota seats available for last-minute reservations one day prior to the journey, offering around 142 seats across classes to accommodate urgent travel demands. Demand surges notably during festivals such as , when waitlists for confirmed seats often exceed 100 in regular services, prompting the introduction of special trains to manage the influx of passengers returning to . Occasional route diversions, such as those in and October 2025, may affect schedules but are notified in advance.

Rolling Stock and Services

Coach Composition

The Kerala Express operates with a formation of 21 Linke-Hofmann-Busch (LHB) coaches, providing enhanced safety features such as anti-climbing couplers and improved compared to conventional ICF rakes. These LHB coaches were introduced on the train with effect from November 4, 2018, replacing the older design to offer better ride comfort, reduced noise, and modern amenities like bio-toilets. The coach composition was last revised effective November 16, 2024, with one AC 3-tier coach replaced by a General unreserved coach. The standard coach composition includes 2 AC 2-tier (A1, A2), 3 AC 3-tier (B1 to B3), 2 AC 3-tier Economy (M1, M2), 6 Sleeper class (S1 to S6), 5 General unreserved (GS), 1 Pantry car (PC), 1 Second Class cum Luggage Rake for Disabled (SLRD), and 1 End-on-Generator (EOG) car. This arrangement accommodates approximately 1,300-1,400 passengers across air-conditioned and non-air-conditioned classes, with the AC coaches positioned toward the rear for better security and the general unreserved coaches near the front adjacent to the locomotive. The rake is maintained exclusively by the , with primary maintenance at Trivandrum Central (TVCN) and secondary servicing at (NDLS), ensuring regular inspections without sharing with other . The total formation length, including the , approximates 550 meters, allowing efficient platform handling at major stations along the route.

On-board Facilities

The Kerala Express provides comprehensive services to accommodate passengers during its extended journey, including a dedicated pantry car that offers multi-cuisine meals with options for both vegetarian and non-vegetarian preferences. E-catering facilities are also mandatory and accessible via the IRCTC platform, allowing passengers to or order en route from approved vendors, ensuring hygienic and diverse choices such as thalis, snacks, and beverages. These services are essential for the train's 51-hour duration, supporting nutritional needs across all classes. Comfort features on the Kerala Express emphasize passenger well-being in its LHB (Linke-Hofmann-Busch) coaches, which include large windows designed to offer scenic views of the diverse landscapes along the route from northern to . Air-conditioning is standard in all reserved classes (AC 2-tier, AC 3-tier, and AC 3-tier economy), maintaining a regulated for extended travel. , comprising clean linens, pillows, and blankets, is provided free of charge to passengers in AC classes and available on payment (₹25 per set) in sleeper class upon request during booking or onboard. Each coach is equipped with multiple charging points for mobile devices and laptops, supporting 5V/2A USB sockets alongside 230V AC outlets, though usage is restricted from 11 p.m. to 5 a.m. for . Bio-toilets, featuring bacterial digestion technology for odorless and eco-friendly , are installed in all coaches, with enhancements like liquid soaps and stainless-steel fixtures in AC sections. Additional services enhance accessibility and health support for diverse passengers. assistance is available at major stations for boarding and alighting, with provisions for lower berths in AC and sleeper classes to facilitate easier access. Medical emergency kits, containing essential drugs, bandages, and life-saving equipment like oxygen masks, are carried onboard by the Travelling Ticket Examiner (TTE) and stored in the pantry car for prompt response to health issues. Security is bolstered by (RPF) personnel who patrol the train, ensuring vigilance against theft or disturbances. While onboard is not standard, select premium trains have seen pilots post-2021, but the Kerala Express relies on station-based free at key stops for connectivity. Baggage policies align with standards, permitting free allowance of 50 kg for AC 2-tier passengers, 40 kg for AC 3-tier and sleeper class travelers (with an additional 10 kg for articles like laptops or handbags), subject to size limits of 250 cm total dimensions per piece. Excess baggage incurs charges at ₹30 per kg for the first 100 km, increasing thereafter. Safety measures in the Kerala Express's LHB coaches include and alarm systems in AC sections, which automatically alert the guard and driver in case of smoke or heat anomalies, supplemented by manual alarm chains accessible throughout the train. cameras, with four dome-type units per coach focused on entrances and aisles, are being rolled out fleet-wide for real-time monitoring and deterrence of onboard incidents, with footage retained for 30 days. These features, combined with bio-toilets' non-flushing design to prevent track contamination, contribute to a secure environment for the train's long-haul operations.

Traction

Locomotive Assignment

The Kerala Express is hauled end-to-end by a WAP-7 class , enabling consistent electric traction across its entire route from to Central since the completion of route electrification. Locomotives assigned to the train are based at the Royapuram Electric Loco Shed (RPM) or Erode Electric Loco Shed (ED), both under the , with examples including WAP-7 units such as 37304 and 37463 from regularly powering the service. Post-full electrification, the train operates without routine locomotive changes, though occasional swaps for maintenance or operational needs may occur at key junctions like or . Prior to the progressive of the route, the Kerala Express relied on WDM-series diesel locomotives for traction, with the transition to occurring primarily in the as sections of the line, including the southern stretches, were wired for 25 kV AC overhead lines. The WAP-7 provides a maximum power output of 6,350 hp, supporting efficient high-speed passenger hauling.

Performance Characteristics

The Kerala Express maintains a maximum permissible speed of 130 km/h on its fully electrified route sections, enabling efficient travel across varied terrain from to . This speed profile is constrained by the route's , including numerous curves and gradients, but supports consistent performance on straight and plain segments. The train's commercial speed averages 61 km/h when including its 41 scheduled halts, reflecting the balance between high-speed running and operational stops that serve passenger convenience along the 3,031 km journey. Acceleration and deceleration characteristics benefit from the assigned WAP-7 electric locomotives, which provide high power output for rapid starts following halts, minimizing dwell times at stations. On level plains, average section speeds typically range from 70-80 km/h, allowing the train to recover time efficiently between stops, though sections impose lower limits due to safety protocols. Deceleration is managed through systems inherent to the electric traction, which recapture energy during slowdowns to enhance overall efficiency. Since the completion of electrification across Kerala's 1,046 km of broad-gauge routes in early 2025, the Kerala Express operates entirely on electric traction, eliminating diesel usage and significantly lowering energy costs per kilometer compared to pre- operations. This shift supports . Reliability metrics for the Kerala Express are bolstered by recent enhancements, including track upgrades in key sections like Kozhikode-Mangaluru, which now support 130 km/h speeds and contribute to improved on-time performance. The Palakkad division, handling a significant portion of the southern leg, recorded 94.01% punctuality for mail/express trains in early 2025, despite regional challenges like increased passenger demand. Environmentally, the adoption of electric traction has reduced CO2 emissions compared to diesel-powered predecessors, aligning with broader sustainability goals.

History

Inception and Early Years

The Kerala Express originated on 10 January 1977 as the Kerala-Karnataka (KK) Express, functioning as a split train to serve passengers from both Kerala and Karnataka states. This bi-weekly service was introduced to offer direct rail linkage from northern India to southern destinations, addressing the need for improved long-distance travel options in an era of expanding regional economies. The initial route ran from New Delhi to Thiruvananthapuram Central for the Kerala section and to KSR Bengaluru for the Karnataka section, with the train dividing at Jolarpettai Junction in Tamil Nadu to cover partial southern connectivity. At launch, the combined formation consisted of 14 coaches, including a mix of second-class and sleeper accommodations typical of express trains of the period. The service was managed under the Northern Railway zone due to its northern terminus, though the southern legs operated within the Southern Railway's jurisdiction, reflecting the zonal divisions of Indian Railways at the time. The introduction of the KK Express aimed to facilitate better access to the national capital for residents of and , supporting economic and social ties amid increasing inter-state movement in the late 1970s. In its early years through the early , the train maintained this split configuration before undergoing separation and renaming in 1983.

Expansions and Renaming

In 1983, following the split of the Kerala-Karnataka Express, the portion serving the Trivandrum Central route was renamed to focus exclusively on connectivity to , while the Bangalore City portion became the . The coach composition of the train was expanded from 14 to 21 coaches effective 29 , allowing for increased passenger capacity on this long-distance superfast service. In 1995, the Kerala Express was converted to a daily service to meet the growing demand from the and tourists. Between 1987 and 1992, a link portion of the Express was temporarily extended to Mangalore, with bifurcation and amalgamation occurring at Junction to provide additional connectivity to northern ; this arrangement ended in 1993 upon the independence of the . The traction for the Express evolved from diesel locomotives in its initial phase to . By 1981, it was hauled by WAM-4 electric locomotives for key sections during inaugural runs, marking the beginning of . With the introduction of the WAP-7 class in 1999, the train transitioned to full electric traction using these high-power locomotives capable of hauling 24-coach formations at speeds up to 140 km/h, improving efficiency on the electrified route by the late . On 4 November 2018, the Kerala Express was modernized with the adoption of Linke Hofmann Busch (LHB) coaches, which feature anti-telescoping designs for enhanced safety in collisions and reduced risks compared to conventional rakes. No major expansions, route changes, or renaming have occurred since , though minor adjustments address journey time variations reported between 49 and 51 hours depending on direction and operational factors.

References

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