NE INFRASTRUCTURE BUREAU
CHENNAI, NOV 19
Southern Railway has launched its pioneering Intra-Zonal ‘Coast-to-Coast’ Parcel Express Train, a dedicated and timetabled logistics service designed to deliver fast, reliable, and economical parcel movement across major business centres in Tamil Nadu and Kerala. This marks Indian Railways’ first service of its kind, reinforcing the region’s logistics backbone and supporting trade, MSMEs, and industrial supply chains.
We surpassed the United States of America and we became the second-largest freight-carrying Railway at 1.6 billion tonnes: Hon’ble MR Shri @AshwiniVaishnaw pic.twitter.com/oI3w654hzc
— Ministry of Railways (@RailMinIndia) November 18, 2025
A key highlight of the initiative is the destination-labelled parcel coaches, ensuring organised and transparent movement of commodities such as perishables, white goods, textiles, industrial materials, and consumer products. With direct connectivity and well-planned stoppages, the service enables uninterrupted freight flow across high-volume commercial corridors.
- A timetabled logistics corridor linking Tamil Nadu and Kerala’s key commercial hubs
- Offers cost-effective, eco-friendly, real-time–monitored parcel movement for MSMEs and industries
- Dedicated parcel coaches and assured weekly schedules to boost regional trade and supply-chain efficiency
The service offers competitive parcel rates, making it a more economical alternative to road transport. As a green and energy-efficient mode of freight movement, it also supports India’s push toward sustainable logistics. Real-time monitoring strengthens service reliability, ensuring punctuality and coordinated movement across the route.
Starting 12 December 2025, the Parcel Express will operate every Friday from Mangaluru Central and every Tuesday from Royapuram (Chennai), guaranteeing assured transit schedules for businesses seeking predictable delivery timelines. The train will halt at major commercial hubs including Salem, Erode, Uthukuli, Tiruppur, Coimbatore, Palakkad, Shoranur, Tirur, Kozhikkode, Thalassery, Kannur, and Kasaragod.
Key Features & Advantages
Dedicated Parcel Coaches
Destination-tagged coaches ensure systematic handling, transparency, and smooth operations.
Wide Freight Basket
Supports diverse commodities—perishables, white goods, industrial materials, consumer products, and textiles.
Real-Time Monitoring
Provides punctual, coordinated, and assured logistics movement.
Efficient Loading & Unloading
Adequate dwell time at all major stations for seamless operations.
Cost-Effective
Substantial savings over road transport; ideal for MSMEs and bulk shippers.
Eco-Friendly Freight Solution
Shifts cargo from road to rail, reducing emissions and promoting sustainable logistics.
Boost to Regional Growth
Reinforces Southern Railway’s commitment to strengthening regional trade through modern freight solutions.
Service Commencement & Schedule
The inaugural service departs 12 December 2025 from Mangaluru Central at 15:10 hrs, reaching Royapuram at 13:30 hrs the next day.
The return train leaves 16 December 2025 at 15:45 hrs from Royapuram, arriving at Mangaluru Central at 14:20 hrs the following day.
The train consists of:
• 10 High-Capacity Parcel Vans
• 2 Luggage-cum-Brake Vans
A detailed route and timings of Train Nos. 00652/00651 have been issued by Southern Railway.
This first-of-its-kind initiative represents a major leap in creating a predictable, affordable, and sustainable logistics network across the southern coastline—strengthening the regional economy and transforming the way India moves goods.
