Ganga Kaveri Express


The 12669 / 12670 Ganga Kaveri Express is a bi-weekly Superfast train service operated by Indian Railways, connecting Chennai in Southern India to Chhapra in Bihar. Inaugurated on 16 February 1977 by Kamalpati Tripathi, between Madras and Varanasi, was terminating at Chennai Beach Station, from where MG Ganga Kaveri Express used to run to Rameswaram through the Kaveri river basin.

Etymology

It is named after two Indian Rivers; Ganga and Kaveri river.

History

The Superfast service of Train Number 139/140 started its service to Varanasi from Madras Beach station, from the opposite Platform where an MG Ganga Kaveri Express used to run to Rameswaram since Chennai Beach - Chennai Egmore - Rameswaram line was still in Metre Gauge. Later the superfast status was erased, made to terminate at Madras Central as an Express and connection with Madras - Rameswaram Exp removed and name changed from Ganga Kaveri Exp to Madras - Varanasi Express. Thus increased halts at some stations, converted from one-night to two-nights train, slowed down by more than 3 hours, Green and Yellow colored Rakes withdrawn and AC sleeper service introduced. Later, in 90's Jaffer Sharief introduced the train which is running currently as Ganga Kaveri Express for the benefit of South Indian tourists, willing to travel to holy city of Varanasi. This train was extended to Chhapra in December 2006 despite a stiff opposition from the Local South Indians in Varanasi, who alleged that quota may be reduced for Varanasi bound passengers. Currently, this train is under criticism since the name of the train currently running wasn't suitable.Also passengers are requesting to change these old, rusting coaches to new LHB rakes since this train is highly preferred for local tourist organisations and senior citizens following Hinduism for doing last rites such as Funeral ceremony and ceremonies to the deceased ancestors and also it is the only straight train from Chennai to Varanasi.

Route

The following are the major junctions en route: Gudur, Ongole, Vijayawada, Khammam, Warangal, Ramagundam, Balharshah, Nagpur, Itarsi, Jabalpur, Katni, Satna, Allahabad, Varanasi and Ghazipur city.

Traction

It is hauls by a Royapuram based WAP 7 or Erode based WAP 4 locomotive from Chennai Central to Itarsi Jn.. And then handing over to an Itarsi / Katni based WDM 3A twins locomotive from Itarsi Jn. to Chhapra Jn. and vice versa.

Coach composition

The train has 1 AC First Cum AC Two Tier, 3 AC Two Tier, 2 AC Three Tier, 13 Sleeper Classes, 2 General Unreserved, 2 Luggage cum Passenger Car and 1 Pantry Car
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