Kanyakumari: Prime Minister Narendra Modi today flagged off the MaduraiāChennai Tejas Express here through video conferencing. He also laid the foundation stone for a couple of projects, including new Pamban Bridge.
The event was graced by Governor Banwarilal Purohit, Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami and Deputy Chief Minister O Panneerselvam among othersĀ were present on the occasion.
During the function, Modi laid foundations stones for the restoration of rail connectivity between Rameswaram and Dhanushkodi (17.20km) at a cost of Rs 208 crore, building a new bridge at Pamban Viaduct (2.05 Km) at a cost of Rs 250 crore and also flagged off the MaduraiāChennai Egmore Tejas Express.
The Tejas express, with ultra-modern facilities, would be the fastest in the Chennai-Madurai sector and would cover the 496 km stretch in six andĀ a half hours. The train service would provide the comfort and luxury to tourists, pilgrims and business class travellers, who travel frequently between these cities.
The inaugural Tejas special, numbered 02672, left Madurai at 2.30 pm and would reach Chennai Egmore at 9.15 pm.
With a composition of one First AC Executive Chair Car, 12 AC Chair Cars, and 2 Generator cum luggage/Brake Vans, (total 15 coaches), the regular service would commence from tomorrow. The train would leave Chennai Egmore at 6 am and reach Madurai at 12.30 pm.Ā In the return direction, it would leave Madurai at 3 pm and reach Chennai Egmore at 9.30 pm.