Chennai, Nov 20: Southern Railway has announced the launch of a new "coast-to-coast" parcel express train service, marking a significant milestone in Indian Railways' efforts to improve regional parcel mobility. This first-of-its-kind initiative aims to provide fast, efficient, and cost-effective parcel movement across Tamil Nadu and Kerala.
According to a press release issued by Southern Railway on November 19, the new service will feature dedicated parcel coaches for each destination, ensuring organized handling and management of parcels. The service will accommodate a wide range of goods, including white goods, perishables, consumer products, and industrial materials. It is designed as a time-tabled logistics service, connecting key business hubs in Tamil Nadu and Kerala.
The parcel express will operate on Fridays from Mangaluru Central and Tuesdays from Royapuram, Chennai. The train will make stops at key commercial centers including Salem, Erode, Uttukkuli, Tiruppur, Coimbatore, Palakkad, Shoranur, Tirur, Kozhikode, Thalassery, Kannur, and Kasaragod, ensuring smooth and efficient loading and unloading across these regions.
The inaugural service of the "Parcel Express" is scheduled to depart Mangaluru Central Railway Station at 3:10 PM on December 12, with its arrival at Royapuram, Chennai, expected at 1:30 PM the following day. The return journey will leave Royapuram at 3:45 PM on December 16 and is expected to reach Mangaluru Central at 2:20 PM the next day.
The train will consist of high-capacity parcel vans, with 10 dedicated parcel coaches and two luggage-cum-brake vans. This eco-friendly service aims to promote sustainable logistics by shifting cargo transportation from road to rail, offering a more environmentally friendly alternative.
Real-time monitoring of the service will ensure that it operates consistently, punctually, and efficiently. This new initiative reflects Southern Railway's commitment to strengthening regional logistics and providing reliable, modern, and sustainable transportation solutions for the growing demands of regional commerce.
