Southern Railway Upgrades Mangaluru–Rameswaram Express With Permanent AC Coach Expansion

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As of now, Southern Railway has improved the Mangaluru- Rameswaram Weekly Express by increasing the number of AC Three Tier Coaches from 2 to 4. With this change, the train will have a total of 22 coaches (from the existing 20). The coaches will provide additional seating capacity for passengers from coastal Karnataka, Kerala and south Tamil Nadu. This service will have better comfort facilities as compared to the other services that are currently available for transportation between this region.

The Mangaluru Central–Rameswaram–Mangaluru Central Weekly Express is set for a major capacity enhancement with the permanent addition of two AC Three-Tier coaches. The upgrade will provide passengers with more air-conditioned travel options while strengthening connectivity between coastal Karnataka, Kerala and southern Tamil Nadu.

The additional coaches will be introduced from October, improving the overall passenger capacity of this important weekly railway service. Train No. 16622 Mangaluru Central–Rameswaram Weekly Express will operate with the upgraded coach formation from October 3, followed by Train No. 16621 Rameswaram–Mangaluru Central Weekly Express from October 4.

The move follows increased demand for comfortable reserved accommodation on the route. Two AC Three-Tier coaches were earlier added temporarily during May and June to handle the seasonal increase in passenger numbers during the summer travel period. The additional capacity has now been approved on a permanent basis.

Popular Weekly Express Expands Capacity With More AC Accommodation

The Mangaluru Central–Rameswaram Weekly Express previously operated with a 20-coach formation. The train included two AC Two-Tier coaches, six AC Three-Tier coaches, six Sleeper Class coaches, four Second Class General coaches, one Second Class Luggage-cum-Brake Van coach with Divyangjan-friendly facilities and one Generator Car coach.

Following the latest enhancement, the train will operate with 22 coaches. The upgraded formation will feature two AC Two-Tier coaches, eight AC Three-Tier coaches, six Sleeper Class coaches, four Second Class General coaches, one Second Class Luggage-cum-Brake Van coach with Divyangjan-friendly facilities and one Generator Car coach.

The addition of two more AC Three-Tier coaches will increase the availability of air-conditioned berths, giving passengers greater flexibility when planning long-distance journeys between the western coast and southern Tamil Nadu.

Strengthening Rail Connectivity Across Three Southern Regions

The weekly express has become an important transport link between Mangaluru, the Malabar region, and key destinations in Tamil Nadu, including Dindigul, Madurai and Rameswaram.

The service offers direct railway access between coastal Karnataka, Kerala and southern Tamil Nadu, helping passengers travel more easily without relying on multiple connecting trains. The route is especially significant for travellers heading towards Rameswaram, one of the country’s major pilgrimage destinations.

Beyond tourism and religious travel, the train also supports regional mobility by connecting communities and workers across different states. It provides an essential travel option for passengers moving between coastal regions for employment, business and personal requirements.

Growing Passenger Reliance Drives Long-Term Improvement

The permanent coach expansion highlights the increasing popularity of the service among passengers. The train has developed strong demand due to its role in connecting important regions and supporting diverse travel needs.

Passengers travelling for religious visits, professional commitments and regional movement have increasingly relied on this weekly service. It is also an important connection for the fishing community from Ramanathapuram district, with many workers travelling between coastal areas of Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Karnataka.

The permanent addition of extra AC coaches is expected to improve the overall journey experience by offering more comfortable seating and greater availability of reserved accommodation.

The service was introduced following long-standing demand for improved connectivity between these regions. Since its introduction, it has strengthened railway links between India’s western coastline and the southern part of Tamil Nadu.

The Mangaluru Central-Rameswaram Weekly Express recently increased its capacity. With this improvement, it will provide better services to the people of Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu.