The Amritha Express has been extended all the way to Rameswaram, offering Kerala its first-ever direct train service to the holy island. The extended service begins today, marking a new milestone in Southern Railway’s network connectivity.
Until now, the Amritha Express ran only between Thiruvananthapuram and Madurai. With this extension, passengers from Kerala can now travel seamlessly to Rameswaram, one of South India’s most revered pilgrimage destinations, without the need for a changeover.
As per the revised schedule, Train No. 16343 will depart from Thiruvananthapuram at 8:30 p.m. and arrive in Rameswaram at 12:45 p.m. the next day. The return train will leave Rameswaram at 1:30 p.m. and reach Thiruvananthapuram Central at 4:55 a.m. the following morning. The timings between Thiruvananthapuram and Madurai remain unchanged.
The extended Amritha Express will feature 12 sleeper coaches, 4 general compartments, 3 AC three-tier coaches, and 2 first and second AC coaches, ensuring a comfortable journey for all categories of passengers.
Key stops on the extended route:
- Madurai – 9:50 a.m.
- Manamadurai – 10:25 a.m.
- Paramakudi – 10:50 a.m.
- Ramanathapuram – 11:13 a.m.
- Rameswaram – 12:45 p.m.
Return journey stops:
- Paramakudi – 2:38 p.m.
- Manamadurai – 3:05 p.m.
- Madurai – 4:05 p.m.
The extension was made possible following the reopening of the iconic Pamban Bridge, which connects mainland India to Rameswaram Island. With upgraded pit lines and advanced signal systems at Rameswaram station capable of handling up to eight trains, railway officials assured that the new service will operate smoothly without any technical hurdles.
This development not only strengthens Kerala–Tamil Nadu connectivity but also opens a direct spiritual and tourism corridor from Thiruvananthapuram to the historic Rameswaram Temple.
