Direct Train Linking Malabar Coast To Rameswaram Launches March 1

Travellers on the Malabar coast will soon have a direct train to one of South India’s revered pilgrimage destinations. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to inaugurate the Mangaluru Central–Rameswaram Weekly Express in Madurai on March 1. This long-awaited service links coastal Karnataka and northern Kerala to the temple town of Rameswaram in Tamil Nadu.

The new train will ease travel for pilgrims and migrant workers, especially those from Ramanathapuram district working in Mangaluru and nearby areas. Previously, travellers relied on multiple connections to reach Rameswaram. This direct service streamlines their journey.

Rameswaram’s iconic Ramanathaswamy Temple is among the twelve Jyotirlinga shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva. Its grand corridors, sculpted columns, sacred water tanks, and links to the Ramayana attract devotees year-round.

Initial Roll-Out Plan And Why There Was A Delay

The Railway Board had originally announced the Mangaluru–Rameswaram service to be launched in March 2024 under train numbers 16621/16622. However, its rollout was delayed due to infrastructure issues.  

One of the primary reasons for the delay was the decommissioning of the old Pamban Bridge, the historic sea bridge that connects the mainland to Rameswaram Island. The bridge needed to be shut down to allow construction of a new vertical-lift bridge. Train services to Rameswaram were suspended during this period until the new bridge became operational.

The new Pamban Bridge was opened on April 6, 2025.

At the same time, the Rameswaram railway station was temporarily closed for redevelopment. With both the bridge and station projects nearing completion, demand for direct connectivity grew as the launch date approached.

Route, Schedule And Connectivity

The Weekly Express will run once a week in each direction, linking coastal Karnataka with southern Tamil Nadu via key junctions in Kerala and Tamil Nadu.  

Train No. 16622 (Mangaluru Central to Rameswaram)  

• Departs Mangaluru Central on Saturdays at 7:30 PM  

• Arrives in Rameswaram on Sundays at 10:50 AM  

Train No. 16621 (Rameswaram to Mangaluru Central)  

• Departs Rameswaram on Sundays at 3:30 PM  

• Arrives in Mangaluru Central on Mondays at 6:55 AM  

The train passes major stations, including Palakkad, Madurai, and Manamadurai. It also improves access to Palani, a major pilgrimage centre in Tamil Nadu known for the Dhandayuthapani Swamy Temple.

For travellers from northern Kerala districts such as Kasaragod, Kannur, and Kozhikode, the train reduces reliance on routes with many interchanges. It also offers a convenient way for Tamil Nadu-based workers in Mangaluru’s fishing and port sectors to return home.

The overnight trip from Mangaluru and the late-afternoon return from Rameswaram suit weekend pilgrims and short-term travellers.

Amrit Bharat Express Trains And Station Redevelopment

The inauguration ceremony in Madurai will also see the launch of three additional services under Indian Railways’ Amrit Bharat initiative. Alongside the Mangaluru–Rameswaram Weekly Express, the Prime Minister is expected to flag off:

• Tambaram–Mangaluru Junction Amrit Bharat Express  

• Coimbatore–Dhanbad Amrit Bharat Express  

• Nagarcoil–Charlapalli Amrit Bharat Express

These trains aim to enhance long-distance connectivity and upgrade passenger experience. The Tambaram–Mangaluru Junction service is of particular interest to Malabar, linking Tamil Nadu’s Chennai suburbs and coastal Karnataka.

The event also includes redeveloped station dedications under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme in the Southern Railway zone. The scheme focuses on modern stations, better passenger amenities, accessibility, upgraded waiting areas, and improved facade design.

The new weekly express closes a long-standing gap between Malabar and Rameswaram, one of Tamil Nadu’s key pilgrimage sites. With the Pamban Bridge restored and station upgrades nearly done, the region’s rail passengers now have a direct, streamlined route for the upcoming pilgrimage season.

(With inputs from various sources)

FAQs

1. When will the Mangaluru–Rameswaram direct train start? 

The Mangaluru–Rameswaram Weekly Express will be inaugurated on March 1, with regular weekly operations in both directions. 

2. Why was the Mangaluru–Rameswaram train delayed? 

The service was delayed due to infrastructure constraints, including the closure of the old Pamban Bridge for reconstruction and redevelopment work at Rameswaram railway station. 

3. What are the timings of the Mangaluru–Rameswaram Weekly Express? 

Train No. 16622 departs Mangaluru Central at 7:30 PM on Saturdays and arrives in Rameswaram at 10:50 AM on Sundays. 
Train No. 16621 departs Rameswaram at 3:30 PM on Sundays and reaches Mangaluru Central at 6:55 AM on Mondays. 

4. Which major stations does the train pass through? 

The train passes through key junctions such as Palakkad, Madurai, and Manamadurai, improving connectivity across Kerala and Tamil Nadu. 

5. Why is Rameswaram an important pilgrimage destination? 

Rameswaram is home to the historic Ramanathaswamy Temple, one of the twelve Jyotirlinga shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva and a major pilgrimage site in India.