Direct Train Service Connecting Rameswaram And Malabar Launching On March 1

Pack your bags for Rameswaram, as travelling becomes more convenient with a direct train service from Mangaluru to the sacred city via Malabar. Known for the Ramanathaswamy Temple – a Hindu pilgrimage site with ornate corridors, huge sculpted pillars, holy water tanks and a chakra (wheel) bearing an imprint of Lord Rama's feet – the southeast Indian state of Tamil Nadu is counted among the must-visit destinations for travel enthusiasts.

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Finally, the long-awaited direct connectivity to the pilgrim centres of Rameswaram and Palani is set to become a reality. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to inaugurate the Mangaluru Central–Rameswaram train in Madurai on March 1, according to a report by The New Indian Express. 

What Delayed The Direct Train Service?

The Mangaluru–Rameswaram service was first announced in March 2024, but its implementation was delayed due to the decommissioning of the old Pamban Bridge. The Railway Board had unveiled train numbers 16621/16622. The Rameswaram railway station was also temporarily shut down for redevelopment to enhance facilities and improve the overall travel experience.

The new Pamban Bridge reportedly opened on April 6 last year, leading to renewed appeals for the direct train service. “Rameswaram is an important pilgrimage centre, and it has been a struggle for us to reach there all these years,” said Hanumantha Kamath of the West Coast Rail Yatri Development Committee in Mangaluru.

Schedule Of Mangaluru–Rameswaram Direct Train Service

The weekly train service will connect Mangaluru Central and Rameswaram. The train will pass through stations such as Palakkad, Madurai, and Manamadurai, and will also provide connectivity to Palani, another popular pilgrimage destination.

Here are the days and timings:

Train No. 16622 (Mangaluru Central to Rameswaram)

• Departs from Mangaluru Central on Saturdays at 7:30 PM
• Arrives at Rameswaram on Sundays at 10:50 AM

Train No. 16621 (Rameswaram to Mangaluru Central)

• Departs from Rameswaram on Sundays at 3:30 PM
• Arrives at Mangaluru Central on Mondays at 6:55 AM

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More About The Direct Train Services

According to Southern Railway sources in Chennai, the Prime Minister will reportedly flag off three more Amrit Bharat trains alongside the Mangaluru–Rameswaram Weekly Express, showcasing the Railway's dedication to redeveloping stations under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme. These trains are:

• Tambaram–Mangaluru Junction Amrit Bharat Express
• Coimbatore–Dhanbad Amrit Bharat Express
• Nagarcoil–Charlapalli Amrit Bharat Express

This highlights the need for greater connectivity between Rameswaram, northern Kerala, and Mangaluru, where thousands of fishermen from Ramanathapuram district work. The development has thrilled rail travellers across the Malabar region.