As per latest reports, Prabhakar Gunaseelapandian, Deputy Chief Operating Manager (COM), Southern Railways issued a statement that the current running rake would be converted to 16-car rake as this would benefit the passengers heading towards the city of Tirunelveli and other key stations like Tiruchirappalli, Dindigul and Madurai.[12][13] This conversion of 8 coaches to 16 coaches commenced on January 15, 2025, right after the Tamil Nadu's harvest festival, Pongal.[14]
Service
The 20665/20666 Chennai Egmore - Tirunelveli Vande Bharat Express operates 6 days a week, covering a distance of 650km (400mi) in a travel time of 7 hrs 50 mins with an average speed of 83km/h (52mph). The Maximum Permissible Speed is 110km/h (68mph).The train does not operate on Tuesdays in both directions. This train has recorded 125% patronage rate, which is one among the highest of Vande Bharat Express in India.[13]
Incidents
On 4 February 2024, glass windows in six coaches suffered damage when it almost reached Naraikinaru railway station around 10:08 PM, as unidentified culprits pelted stones at the speeding train at night. No casualties were reported during this incident.[15][16][17]
On 7 December 2024, the 4 coaches from C4 to C7 of Tirunelveli Vande Bharat Express did not open the closed automated doors at Dindigul Junction railway station and the train departed. After some time, the train was made to stop at Kodaikanal Road railway station for an unscheduled halt and passengers to Dindigul were sent there by Mysuru–Tuticorin Express. The railways said it is the mistake of the guard who forgot to open doors of all coaches, as that was the first time he was having duty in Vande Bharat Express and he boarded after crew change at Tiruchirapalli Junction.
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