Bringing cheer to passengers in southern Tamil Nadu, the Southern Railway has announced that the Chennai–Tirunelveli Vande Bharat Express will make a scheduled stop at Kovilpatti railway station starting tomorrow (October 9).
The Vande Bharat Express (Train Nos. 20665/20666), which was launched on September 24, 2023, operates between Chennai Egmore and Tirunelveli, connecting key southern districts.
As per the revised schedule, the train will depart from Tirunelveli at 6.05 a.m., reach Kovilpatti at 6.38 a.m., and leave at 6.40 a.m. It will then reach Virudhunagar at 7.18 a.m. and depart two minutes later. In the return direction, it will leave Chennai Egmore at 2.50 p.m. and also halt at Kovilpatti before reaching Tirunelveli at 10.40 p.m.
The decision follows sustained efforts from prominent leaders, including Thoothukudi MP Kanimozhi Karunanidhi, MDMK General Secretary Vaiko, MDMK Principal Secretary Durai Vaiko, and Kovilpatti MLA Kadambur C. Raju, who appealed to the Union Railway Minister to include a stop at Kovilpatti, a major commercial town in the southern belt.
During her visit to Kovilpatti ten days ago for the Matchbox Industry Centenary Celebrations, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman also received a petition urging for the train’s stoppage.
Following these appeals, the Railway Board approved the halt on a trial basis, fulfilling a long-pending demand from the region.
The announcement has been warmly welcomed by residents, traders, and commuters from Kovilpatti, Vilathikulam, and nearby areas. Political parties including AIADMK and MDMK have planned a grand welcome for the Vande Bharat Express at Kovilpatti railway station tomorrow morning.
