Thai Poosam: Temporary halt at Melmaruvathur for 57 trains

Southern Railway has announced temporary one-minute stoppages for several express trains at Melmaruvathur railway station in view of the Thai Poosam festival and Irumudi ritual, which draw thousands of devotees every year. The special stoppages will be available from December 15 to February 2, according to an official press release. A total of 57 train services operating across Tamil Nadu will halt at Melmaruvathur during this period. This includes major express trains departing from Chennai Egmore such as: Train No. 12635/12636 – Vaigai Superfast Express (Chennai Egmore–Madurai–Chennai Egmore) Train No. 12637/12638 – Pandian Superfast Express (Chennai Egmore–Madurai–Chennai Egmore) Train No. 12653/12654 – Rockfort Superfast Express (Chennai Egmore–Tiruchirappalli–Chennai Egmore) Train No. 16865/16866 – Uzhavan Express (Chennai Egmore–Thanjavur–Chennai Egmore) These trains, along with several others passing through the route, will make a brief halt to facilitate devotees visiting the Shri Adhiparasakthi Siddhar Peetam. Southern Railway stated that the stoppage timings will remain in force until December 31, after which revised timings applicable from January 1 will be announced separately. The arrangement aims to ease travel during the festival season and ensure smoother movement for pilgrims heading to Melmaruvathur. @@@