CHENNAI: Premier trains introduced on highly congested routes seem to be playing havoc with existing superfast trains across the country. The latest victim in this series is Kovai Express, it is pointed out. The train which was once boasted as one of the fastest Intercity Superfast Express in the country, covering 495 km in seven hours and 10 minutes, has lost its edge due to the increased travel time.
Kovai Express which began its maiden run on April 14, 1977, was scheduled to arrive at Chennai Central before 9.15 pm until a few years ago. Patronage for the train started falling in 2011 with the introduction of Coimbatore-Chennai Duronto Express. Since then, Kovai Express had never been on time, passengers say.
Earlier, the train left Chennai at 6.15 am and reached Coimbatore at 1.20 pm. The return journey started at 2.05 pm and reached Central at 9.15 pm.
Duronto Express was introduced with its departure time being 7.15 am from Central and arrival in Coimbatore at 2.15 pm. In the return journey, it started at 3.25 pm and reached Central at 10.15 pm. Owing to poor patronage, Southern Railway converted Duronto as Shatabdi, with additional stops at Salem, Erode and Tirupur in November 2013. The result — Kovai Express was delayed by 20 to 30 minutes in both directions. Accordingly, the departure timing at Coimbatore was changed to 2.35 pm.
However, the cup of woes of Kovai Express passengers started overflowing after railways introduced additional stoppages for Shatabdi Express at Jolarpettai and Katpadi. Since Shatabdi was scheduled to overtake Kovai Express at either Ambur or Katpadi, the latter suffered a delay of 60 to 70 minutes while arriving at Central. The continuous late arrival of train has forced SR to alter the arrival time, thereby increasing journey hours. “The train arrives at Central after 11.10 pm. By that time, we neither have bus or train services. Prepaid autos and taxis also operate only till 10.30 pm,” said Krishnan, of Coimbatore, a regular commuter of Kovai Express.
The tale of Brindavan Express is no different. After the Chennai-Bengaluru Double Decker Express was launched in April 2013, the travel time of Brindavan Express increased to seven hours with stops at 10 stations. Railways also removed chair car coaches in Brindavan Express to make commuters opt for the Double Decker.