Trichy-Karaikal DEMU train from May 20

Trichy: DEMU train service connecting Trichy and Karaikal are being restored from May 20, linking Trichy with Karaikal through the delta districts. A new train service is also being introduced to connect Velankanni and Mayiladuthurai, running through Nagapattinam, Nagore, Karaikal, and Thirunallar.Train number 76826/76825, previously operating as Trichy-Karaikal-Trichy, had been rerouted earlier to Trichy-Velankanni-Trichy to improve access to the pilgrimage centre at Velankanni. This change followed gauge conversion and electrification of Nagapattinam-Velankanni section a few years ago. From May 20, Trichy-Velankanni-Trichy service will be rerouted back to operate as Trichy-Karaikal-Trichy, passing through key stations including Thanjavur, Tiruvarur, and Nagapattinam.The 23-kilometre Peralam-Karaikal section is now becoming fully operational following completion of its gauge conversion project, carried out at Rs320 crores. Regular services on this stretch will begin on May 20. The route has stops at Peralam, Ambagarattur, Pattakudi, Thirunallar, Karai Kovilpatthu, and Karaikal.Due to Peralam-Karaikal gauge conversion, two new passenger services are being launched through the section - Train No 56008/56007 (Velankanni-Mayiladuthurai-Velankanni) and Train No 56009/56010 (Mayiladuthurai-Karaikal-Mayiladuthurai). The 56008/56007 service will provide a direct connection for the first time between Velankanni, Nagapattinam, Nagore, Karaikal, Thirunallar, and Mayiladuthurai.