Matsyagandha Express

The 12619/20 Matsyagandha Superfast Express is a daily superfast train running between Lokmanya Tilak Terminus (Mumbai) and Mangaluru Central.[1] . The train was introduced on 1 May 1998 as Mangalore-Kurla Express.[2]. The Matsyagandha express train travels through some of the very difficult terrains of India.[3]

Matsyagandha Superfast Express
Overview
Service type Superfast Express
LocaleMaharashtra, Goa, Karnataka
First serviceMay 1, 1998 (1998-05-01)
Current operator(s)Southern Railway
Route
StartLokmanya Tilak Terminus
Stops24 halts (only for 12619) and 22 halts (only for 12620)
EndMangaluru Central
Distance travelled883 km (549 mi)
Average journey time16hrs
Service frequencyDaily
Train number(s)12619/12620
On-board services
Class(es)1 AC 2 Tier, 3 AC 3 Tier, 12 Sleeper Coaches, 5 UnReserved Coaches
Seating arrangementsYes
Sleeping arrangementsYes
Observation facilitiesICF Coaches
Entertainment facilitiesNo
Technical
Track gauge1,676 mm (5 ft 6 in)
Operating speed55 km/h (34 mph) Average with Halts
Route map

Background

Matsyagandha literally means "Smell of Fish" - the appellation was given since the train runs along the fishing coast of Western India adjoining the Arabian sea - Konkan railway route. The name is based on a name of character from the epic Mahabharata. It is a story of Satyavati who smell like a fish (Matsyagandha). Matsyagandha is also a famous Marathi musical play written by Vasant Kanetkar[4]. The train has become important link and emotional chord for natives of Dakshina Kannada, Karwar and Udupi districts living in Mumbai and surrounding cities.

Matsyaganda Express trainboard
Matsyagandha Express Train

Locomotion

As the route is not completely electrified, an Erode (ED) or Golden Rock (GOC) based WDP-4D or ED WDM 3D hauls the train end to end.

Rake Sharing

It shares its rake with the 16347/16348 Thiruvananthapuram Central - Mangaluru Central Express.

Arrival and Departure

12619 Matsyagandha express departs Lokmanya Tilak Terminus Mumbai at 15.20 and reaches Mangaluru at 7.30 next day while 12620 Matsyagandha express departs Mangaluru at 14.35 and reaches Lokmanya Tilak Terminus Mumbai at 6.35 next day. However, monsoon timetable may vary.

Accident

This service had a major accident on 16 June 2004, known as the Karanjadi train crash. It derailed and fell off a bridge after colliding with boulders on the tracks, killing 14 people near Karanjadi station.[5]

References
  1. "Matsyaganda express 2619". indianrailinfo.com. Retrieved 16 December 2009.
  2. "Indian Railways Budget Speech 1998 -1999 (Final)" (PDF). Indian railways. Retrieved 27 November 2019.
  3. "On track to disaster". Down to Earth. Retrieved 27 November 2019.
  4. "Sangeet Matsyagandha (Marathi Sangeet Natak) at Sadashiv Peth, Pune".
  5. "Matsyaganda derails". rediff.com. Retrieved 16 December 2009.
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