Silambu Express train extended to Sengottai

MADURAI: Rail users has something to cheer about during this Pongal season as Chennai Egmore – Manamadurai Silambu Express train has been extended up to Sengottai after prolonged popular demand.
According to railway sources, the extension has been done on a permanent basis with the first service starting from Chennai on Saturday.
The biweekly Silambu Express was announced during Railway Budget 2013 – 14 and started its first journey on June 22, 2013.Initially it was planned to run between Chennai Egmore and Karaikudi but was extended up to Manamadurai due to public demand.
During 2014, Silambu Express was further extended up to Sengottai after Manamadurai – Aruppukottai – Virudhunagar gauge conversion was completed. However, the extension which was on a temporary basis was discontinued limiting the service at Manamadurai.
But the rail users in the Manamadurai – Virudhunagar stretch have been pointing out that the section was very much underutilised and demanded that Silambu Express be extended up to Sengottai again. Under these circumstances, the railways has come out with the announcement of extending Silambu Express.
According to statement from railways, Train Number 16181 leaving Chennai Egmore on January 14 will run up to Sengottai. Train Number 16182 will leave Sengottai from January 15.
Leaving Chennai Egmore on Wednesday and Saturday at 8.20pm, the train will reach Sengottai at 10.20am the next day.
The train from Sengottai will leave at 4pm and reach Chennai Egmore at 5.45am.
This train will have stoppages at Narikudi, Tiruchuzhi, Aruppukottai, Virudhunagar, Tiruthangal, Sivakasi, Srivilliputhur, Rajapalayam, Sankarankovil, Pambakovil Shandy, Kadayanallur and Tenkasi junction on the Manamadurai-Sengottai section.