The Vivek Express, India’s longest train route, runs from Dibrugarh in Assam to Kanyakumari, covering nearly 4200 km in 75 hours across 9 states and over 50 stations. It operates four days a week with pantry and e-catering options
How long is truly long? Long train journeys always have their own dedicated fanbase compared to short routes connected by tracks. They offer a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to explore diverse landscapes, experience vibrant cultures along the way and meet unfamiliar faces who often become memorable companions. One such exciting journey offered by Indian Railways is the Vivek Express, considered India's longest train route. It stretches from Dibrugarh in Assam to Kanyakumari, the southernmost tip of the nation, and back. It covers nearly 4200 km in roughly 75 hours and passes through 9 states and over 50 stations.
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A video by 'Dailygeomap' making the rounds on Instagram offers a virtual tour of this extraordinary journey, leaving travel lovers captivated. "The Dibrugarh-Kanyakumari Vivek Express is India's longest train route, reads the caption.
Here is another video posted by Southern Railways on X:
Let us take a journey across India's longest train route-
The Vivek Express starts its journey in Assam's Dibrugarh and moves through New Tinsukia, Naharkatia, Simaluguri, Mariani and Furkating. Then, it enters Nagaland's Dimapur and re-enters Assam's Diphu, Lumding, Hojai, Jagiroad, Guwahati, Goalpara, New Bongaigaon and Kokrajhar.
Next, Vivek Express enters West Bengal via New Alipurduar, New Cooch Behar, Mathabhanga, Jalpaiguri Road, New Jalpaiguri and Bihar's Kishanganj. It then again travels through West Bengal's Malda Town, Rampurhat, Bardhaman and Dankuni, serving Kolkata and Kharagpur.
The journey continues through Odisha's Balasore, Bhadrak, Cuttack, Bhubaneswar, Khurda Road and Brahmapur. Then, it moves along Andhra Pradesh's coastline via Palasa, Srikakulam, Vizianagaram, Vishakhapatnam, Duvvada, Samarlakota, Rajahmundry, Eluru, Vijayawada, Ongole, Nellore and Renigunta.
After that, the train enters Tamil Nadu through Katpadi, Salem, Erode and Coimbatore. It then passes through Kerala's Palakkad, Thrissur, Aluva, Ernakulam, Kottayam, Chengannur, Kollam and Thiruvananthapuram.
Finally, Vivek Express re-enters Tamil Nadu through Nagercoil and ends its journey at Kanniyakumari, the train station in Kanyakumari.
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Vivek Express Travel Guide: Tips You Need To Know
The Vivek Express, which covers a vast distance of over 4,000 kilometres in about four days, was announced in the 2011-12 Railway Budget to commemorate the 150th birth anniversary of the spiritual leader and social reformer Swami Vivekananda.
The Superfast Express, when travelling from Dibrugarh to Kanyakumari, is numbered 15906/22504. For the return journey from Kanyakumari to Dibrugarh, it is numbered 22503/15905.
If you are planning a trip on this train, keep these key points in mind:
- Running Days: The train has increased its frequency from bi-weekly to four days a week. It now runs on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays from Dibrugarh.
- Planning and Booking: Book your tickets well in advance to avoid the last-minute rush, as the train operates only on certain days.
- Food Options: Besides a pantry car, the train also offers e-catering at several major stations. However, it is advisable to carry some dry food and water for long stretches.
- Carry Personal Hygiene Essentials: Items like hand sanitiser, wet wipes, antiseptics and disinfectant products are extremely useful on long journeys.
- Be Cautious With Your Belongings: Keep valuables secure and stay alert, especially in sleeper class.
When are you planning a ride on the Vivek Express? Do let us know in the comments section.
