Travelling this August? Southern Railway changes routes and timings for these trains
Passengers travelling on several Southern Railway routes during August 2026 should check their train schedules before starting their journey, as maintenance and safety works across Tiruchchirappalli, Chennai and Thiruvananthapuram divisions will affect multiple train services.
The railway has approved Fixed Time Corridor Blocks for infrastructure maintenance, leading to diversions, delays and revised departure timings for several express and superfast trains. While most changes are temporary, they could affect passengers travelling to and from Chennai, Tiruchchirappalli, Thanjavur, Mayiladuthurai, Guruvayur, Kerala and eastern India.
Here's a complete list of trains affected.
Chennai Egmore–Tiruchchirappalli Cholan Superfast Express diverted on multiple dates
Train No. 22675 Chennai Egmore–Tiruchchirappalli Cholan Superfast Express, which normally departs Chennai Egmore at 8 am, will operate on different routes on selected days.
On August 5, 12, 14 and 21
The train will run via Cuddalore Port, Vriddhachalam and Tiruchchirappalli.
Stations that will be skipped
- Chidambaram
- Sirkazhi
- Vaithisvarankoil
- Mayiladuthurai
- Aduturai
- Kumbakonam
- Tanjavur
- Budalur
- Tiruverumbur
Additional stoppages
- Vriddhachalam
- Ariyalur
- Lalgudi
- Srirangam
On August 26 and September 2
The same train will instead be diverted via Villupuram, Vriddhachalam and Tiruchchirappalli.
Stations skipped
- Panruti
- Tirupadripulyur
- Cuddalore Port
- Chidambaram
- Sirkazhi
- Vaithisvarankoil
- Mayiladuthurai
- Aduturai
- Kumbakonam
- Tanjavur
- Budalur
- Tiruverumbur
Additional stoppages
- Vriddhachalam
- Ariyalur
- Lalgudi
- Srirangam
Jodhpur–Mannargudi Express to face one-hour delay
Train No. 22673 Jodhpur–Mannargudi Express departing Jodhpur at 4.50 pm on August 6, 20 and 27 will be regulated by one hour at a convenient location between Chennai Egmore and Mundiyampakkam.
Tiruchchirappalli–Chennai Cholan Superfast Express rescheduled
Train No. 22676 Tiruchchirappalli–Chennai Egmore Cholan Superfast Express will leave 35 minutes later than its scheduled departure on August 4, 11 and 18.
Instead of 12.10 pm, the train will depart Tiruchchirappalli at 12.45 pm.
Chennai Division maintenance to delay long-distance trains
Southern Railway has also announced delays to several long-distance trains passing through Chennai Division.
| Train | Date | Change |
| 22648 Thiruvananthapuram North–Korba Superfast Express | August 6 | Delayed by 2 hours |
| 22642 Shalimar–Thiruvananthapuram Central Superfast Express | August 25 | Delayed by 1 hour |
| 12839 Howrah–Dr MGR Chennai Central Mail | August 25 & 27 | Delayed by 1 hour |
| 22644 Patna–Ernakulam Junction Express | August 27 | Delayed by 1 hour |
The trains will be regulated at convenient locations en route.
Chennai Egmore–Guruvayur Express to be delayed on several August dates
Passengers travelling on Train No. 16127 Chennai Egmore–Guruvayur Express should also expect delays due to maintenance work in Thiruvananthapuram Division.
The train, scheduled to leave Chennai Egmore at 10.40 am, will be affected as follows:
| Date | Delay |
| August 9 & 10 | 40 minutes |
| August 11 & 12 | 45 minutes |
| August 27 & 31 | 30 minutes |
| August 28, 29, September 1 & 2 | 50 minutes |
The delays will occur at convenient locations during the journey.
Passengers advised to verify train timings
Passengers travelling on any of the affected routes are advised to verify the latest arrival and departure timings before leaving for the railway station, as diversions and regulated movement could change journey duration on the affected dates.