Southern Railway has announced partial cancellation of several passenger trains on the Madurai–Tuticorin section owing to Pre Non-Interlocking, Non-Interlocking and Mega Block works at Milavittan and Tuticorin yard. The blocks are being undertaken as part of the ongoing doubling project aimed at enhancing capacity and operational efficiency on the busy route.
According to the railway administration, the changes will impact select services between mid-December 2025 and late January 2026. Passengers are advised to check train schedules in advance and plan their journeys accordingly during the block period.
Palaruvi, Pearl City and Mysuru–Tuticorin services affected
Train No. 16792 Palakkad Jn–Tuticorin Palaruvi Express, scheduled to leave Palakkad at 16.05 hrs from December 14, 2025 to January 27, 2026, will be partially cancelled between Tirunelveli and Tuticorin. In the return direction, Train No. 16791 Tuticorin–Palakkad Jn Palaruvi Express, leaving Tuticorin at 22.00 hrs from December 15, 2025 to January 28, 2026, will be partially cancelled between Tuticorin and Tirunelveli and will originate from Tirunelveli at its scheduled timings.
Similarly, Train No. 16766 Tuticorin–Mettupalayam Express on December 20, 2025 will be partially cancelled between Tuticorin and Kovilpatti and will originate from Kovilpatti. The Chennai Egmore–Tuticorin Pearl City Express (Train No. 12693) on December 20, 21 and 22, 2025 will be partially cancelled between Vanchi Maniyachchi and Tuticorin, while its return service, Train No. 12694 Tuticorin–Chennai Egmore Pearl City Express on December 21, 22 and 23, 2025, will originate from Vanchi Maniyachchi.
Vivek Express and other long-distance trains to originate short
Train No. 16236 Mysuru–Tuticorin Express on December 20, 21 and 22, 2025 will be partially cancelled between Vanchi Maniyachchi and Tuticorin. The corresponding Train No. 16235 Tuticorin–Mysuru Express on December 21, 22 and 23, 2025 will originate from Vanchi Maniyachchi.
Long-distance Vivek Express services are also affected. Train No. 19568 Okha–Tuticorin Vivek Express leaving Okha at 00.55 hrs on December 19, 2025 will be partially cancelled between Kovilpatti and Tuticorin. Train No. 19567 Tuticorin–Okha Vivek Express on December 21, 2025 will originate from Kovilpatti instead of Tuticorin. In addition, Train No. 16765 Mettupalayam–Tuticorin Express on December 21, 2025 will be partially cancelled between Kovilpatti and Tuticorin.
Southern Railway has urged passengers to verify updated schedules through official enquiry systems before travel, as the changes are temporary and linked to essential infrastructure upgrades.