The South Central Railway (SCR) has brought joyful news to the growing number of pilgrims traveling from the Telugu states to Arunachalam (Tiruvannamalai). Recognizing the heavy rush, especially during Giri Pradakshina on full moon days (Purnima), the railway authorities have decided to regularize two key weekly express services that were previously running as special trains. This move aims to provide a permanent and more reliable transport option for devotees heading to the sacred shrine.
1. Nampally – Kanyakumari Weekly Express Regularized
The Nampally-Kanyakumari Weekly Express (07229/07230), which has been operating as a special service for the past five years, will now function as a regular train service. Along with regularization, the train numbers will be updated to 17069/17070.
-
Schedule: Train No. 17069 will depart from Nampally every Wednesday at 5:20 PM and reach Kanyakumari at 2:30 AM on Friday.
-
Return: Train No. 17070 will leave Kanyakumari on Friday at 5:15 AM and arrive in Hyderabad at 2:30 PM on Saturday.
-
Route: This train provides direct connectivity to Arunachalam (Tiruvannamalai) station, passing through major stops like Secunderabad, Nalgonda, Guntur, Nellore, Renigunta, Tirupati, and Katpadi.
2. Kachiguda – Madurai Express Extension
In another significant update, the Kachiguda-Madurai Weekly Express has been regularized and extended up to Thoothukudi. Re-designated as the Kachiguda-Thoothukudi Express (Train Nos. 17615/17616), this service also serves pilgrims heading to Arunachalam.
-
Schedule: Train No. 17615 departs Kachiguda on Mondays at 3:00 PM and reaches Thoothukudi at 10:45 PM on Tuesday.
-
Return: Train No. 17616 departs Thoothukudi on Wednesdays at 7:45 AM and returns to Kachiguda at 1:25 PM on Thursday.
By converting these “Special” trains into “Regular” services, the railway department ensures better seat availability and permanent scheduling, making it much easier for devotees to plan their spiritual journeys to the Arunachalam temple and other pilgrimage sites in the south.
