No. of views : (3517)
New Chennai-Thirupathi train service suspended
Posted on: 04/Apr/2014 11:49:49 AM
The Train No. 66047 Chennai Central-Thirupathi MEMU (Mainline Electrical Multiple Unit) was launched without much fanfare on March 22, with a scheduled departure from Chennai at 9.30 a.m. and arrival at Thirupathi at 1.30 p.m. In the return direction, the train’s scheduled departure was 5.20 p.m. and arrival at Chennai Central 9.10 p.m.
After just a couple of days of operation, this train service was not available. Southern Railway officials say the MEMU was pulled out of service due to the lack of a maintenance slot and promise that the train will resume operations within a fortnight.
While it is common for the railways to follow a rake-sharing arrangement that deploys the same rakes for different routes and destinations, in this case the train to Thirupathi was launched using a rake of a passenger service in Kerala that had been despatched to the Avadi Car Shed for periodic over haul (full maintenance carried out in 18 month or 24 month cycles).
For travelers to Thirupathi, the MEMU service offered a much cheaper mode of travel. Compared to the Rs. 55 (second sitting) or Rs. 200 (chair car) it takes to reach Thirupathi by the Saptagiri Express, a MEMU ride costs just Rs. 30.
Post your requirement - We will connect with the right vendor or service provider
