Uzhavan Express Celebrates Its 14th Anniversary as the ‘Prince of the Main Line’

The Uzhavan Express, popularly known as the ‘Prince of the Main Line’ of the Tiruchirappalli Railway Division, celebrates its 14th anniversary today, Tuesday (September 1).

The train has emerged as one of the most widely used overnight trains in the central region. For several years, people from the Delta districts had been demanding the restoration of trains that were suspended due to the construction of a new bridge in the Kollidam area of Mayiladuthurai district. Following these requests, the railway administration resumed the operation of some trains, including the important Uzhavan Express (16865, 16866).

A Name That Honours Farmers

The Uzhavan Express was introduced on September 1, 2013, on the Main Line between Thanjavur and Chennai Egmore via Kumbakonam. The train was named ‘Uzhavan’ to honour the contribution of farmers in the Cauvery delta region. Since its introduction, the train has received widespread support from people in Thanjavur and Kumbakonam.

Connecting Historic Cities with Chennai

The train connects the historic Chola cities of Thanjavur and Kumbakonam with Chennai, the state capital. It covers a distance of 351 km between Chennai Egmore and Thanjavur.

In 2024, the Uzhavan Express was selected as one of the best-maintained trains in the Tiruchirappalli Division of Southern Railway and received an award.

The train has now completed 13 years of service and celebrates its 14th anniversary on September 1.

Highest-Used Overnight Train in the Central Region

According to key details from the passenger usage report obtained under the Right to Information Act for the last financial year (April 2025 to March 2026), 4,33,305 passengers travelled from Chennai to Thanjavur and 4,42,242 passengers travelled from Thanjavur to Chennai through reservations, taking the total to 8,75,547 passengers. Thousands of passengers also travelled without reservations.

With this level of usage, the Uzhavan Express ranks 10th among the most-used overnight trains in Tamil Nadu and first among overnight trains operating in the central region. It has recorded higher usage than major express trains such as the Pandian Express, Malaikottai Express and Muthunagar Express.

Average Daily Waiting List of 197 Passengers

According to the waiting-list data for one year, an average of around 197 passengers were on the waiting list every day across all types of coaches.

The Uzhavan Express currently operates with 23 coaches. During festival seasons and periods of heavy passenger demand, an additional sleeper coach is being attached to the train.

Request to Change Night-Time Departure

Thanjavur Railway Passengers Association office-bearer J. Janakiraman said that if the Uzhavan Express departs 20 minutes later than its current schedule from both Chennai and Thanjavur at night,t, passengers would be able to reach their destinations more conveniently in the morning.

Route and Timings

The Uzhavan Express departs Chennai Egmore at 10:25 p.m. and travels via Mambalam, Tambaram, Chengalpattu, Tindivanam, Villupuram, Cuddalore Port, Chidambaram, Sirkazhi, Vaitheeswarankoil, Mayiladuthurai, Kuthalam, Aduthurai, Kumbakonam and Papanasam before reaching Thanjavur at 5:45 a.m.

On the return journey, the train departs Thanjavur at 9:50 p.m. and reaches Chennai Egmore at 4:25 a.m. via the same route.

Demand for More Overnight Trains

The Uzhavan Express remains the main train for passengers from the Thanjavur and Kumbakonam regions due to its high usage and long waiting lists. Other trains, including the Boat Mail, Antyodaya, Tiruchendur Express and the bi-weekly Mahal Superfast Express, also operate via Thanjavur and Kumbakonam.

Despite the reservation quota system on these trains not being particularly favourable to passengers from Thanjavur, Kumbakonam and Mayiladuthurai, passenger demand remains high.

Therefore, passengers are expecting additional overnight trains to be operated from Thanjavur to Chennai via Kumbakonam.