Tamil Nadu: Tejas special train back on track from January 10

MADURAI: Tejas special between Chennai Egmore and Madurai Junction that was cancelled from January 4 due to poor patronage will be back into effect from January 10. While the issue was also taken up by various trade and passenger bodies with the railway officials in Chennai and Madurai, Madurai MP Su Venkatesan also wrote to the Union railway minister against cancellation of the services.
According to a statement from the Southern Railways, the Railway Board approved the introduction of Train No 02613/02614 Chennai Egmore – Madurai – Chennai Egmore Tejas special six days a week (excluding Thursdays). Starting from Chennai Egmore at 6am, Train No 02613 will reach Madurai at 12.15pm. In the return direction Train No 02614 will start from Madurai at 3pm and reach Chennai Egmore at 9.15pm.
The trains will have the usual stoppages at Trichy for five minutes and at Kodai Road for two minutes. Venkatesan and railfans thanked the railways for considering their pleas. “It will help commuters on long waiting lists of other trains during extended holidays during Pongal and Republic Day,” said a frequent user of the train M Arun Pandian.