Chennai train timings change 2026: Revised schedule for Guruvayur, Nellai, Vaigai Express
Southern Railway officials have indicated that a revised schedule for suburban train services is also in the pipeline and will be announced separately.
Chennai: In a significant move to modernize operations and improve efficiency, Indian Railways will implement a comprehensive revision of train timetables, primarily affecting express services from Chennai to key destinations in Tamil Nadu and beyond. The new schedule, to be rolled out on January 1, 2026, follows extensive infrastructure upgrades, including track enhancement and route electrification.
The revised timings, now available for public reference on the National Train Enquiry System (NTES), aim to optimize network capacity and reflect the improved speeds possible due to ongoing infrastructural work. While the new timetable was anticipated earlier, railways have confirmed its release for the start of the 2026 calendar year.
Key Changes: Departures from Chennai Egmore
Passengers traveling south from Chennai Egmore will note several adjustments to popular trains. The changes are a mix of slight delays and earlier departures to streamline the network flow.
- Guruvayur Express: Departure shifted from 10:20 AM to 10:40 AM.
- Nellai Express: Departure shifted from 8:40 PM to 8:50 PM.
- Cholan Express (to Trichy): Departure shifted from 7:45 AM to 8:00 AM.
- Pothigai Express: Will now depart earlier at 7:35 PM instead of 8:10 PM.
- Express to Rameswaram: Departure shifted from 7:15 PM to 8:35 PM.
- Vaigai Express (to Madurai): Will now depart earlier at 1:15 PM instead of 1:45 PM.
- Vande Bharat Express (to Nellai): Departure shifted from 2:45 PM to 3:05 PM.
- Muthunagar Express (to Thoothukudi): Will now depart earlier at 7:15 PM instead of 7:30 PM.
Other Notable Revisions
- Brindavan Express (Bengaluru to Chennai Central): Departure from Bengaluru shifted from 3:10 PM to 3:15 PM.
Trains with Unchanged Timings
Several major services will retain their current schedules. These include the Ananthapuri Express (Egmore to Kollam) and the Senthoor Express (Egmore to Tiruchendur).
Revised Return Journey Timings
Corresponding changes have also been made to the return (up) direction services to Chennai:
- Nellai Express (to Egmore): Departure from Nellai shifted from 8:40 PM to 8:50 PM.
- Pothigai Express (from Sengottai): Departure shifted from 6:45 PM to 6:50 PM.
- Express from Rameswaram: Departure shifted from 5:50 PM to 6:00 PM.
- Cholan Express (from Trichy): Departure shifted from 11:00 AM to 12:10 PM.
- Muthunagar Express (Thoothukudi to Egmore): Departure shifted from 8:40 PM to 9:00 PM.
The return journey timings for the Guruvayur, Nellai Vande Bharat, and Vaigai Express trains remain unchanged.
Southern Railway officials have indicated that a revised schedule for suburban train services is also in the pipeline and will be announced separately.
Passengers are advised to check the NTES app or the official Indian Railways website for the complete and authoritative timetable as the effective date approaches, and to reconfirm their train timings for travel on or after January 1, 2026.