The 16733 / 16734 Rameswaram–Okha Express is an Express train belonging to Indian Railways – Madurai Division of the Southern Railway zone that runs between and in India.
It operates as train number 16733 from Rameswaram to Okha and as train number 16734 in the reverse direction, serving the states of Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Maharashtra and Gujarat. Since 8th March 2024, this train runs with LHB coach.
History It is one of the first trains to be operated from Rameswaram immediately after Gauge Conversion of Manamadurai–Rameswaram line from Meter Gauge to Broad Gauge. This train is operated in such a long circuitous route because during its introduction, most of the railway lines in India are under gauge conversion from narrower gauges to broad gauge, so this train is operated using existing railway routes at that time. This train was originally introduced between Madurai and Manamad. Later this train was extended in both sides i.e. From Madurai it was extended until Rameswaram and from Manamad it was extended until Okha. At initial days of operation, its maintenance is done at Madurai, after constructing a railway maintenance yard at Rameswaram, the maintenance of this train has been shifted from Madurai to Rameswaram. At present, It is the only train from southern part of Tamil Nadu such as Madurai, Rameswaram which are directly connected with the Manamad, Aurangabad areas of Maharashtra.
Coaches
The train has standard LHB rakes with a maximum speed of 130 km/h. The train consists of 21 coaches:
2 AC II Tier 8 AC III Tier 6 Sleeper coaches 2 General Unreserved 2 EOG cars 1 Pantry car
As is customary with most train services in India, coach composition may be amended at the discretion of Indian Railways depending on demand.
Service
16733/Rameswaram–Okha Express covers the distance of in 59 hours 50 mins (49 km/h)
16734/Okha–Rameswaram Express covers the distance of in 58 hours 35 mins (53 km/h).
Route & halts
The 16733 / 16734 Rameswaram–Okha Express runs from Rameswaram via , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , to Okha., South Central Railway, 8 July 2015
At present it is the only direct express train that runs from Rameswaram to nearby places of Mumbai such as Manmad and Surat.
Schedule
Train number Station code Departure station Departure time Departure day Arrival station Arrival time Arrival day 16733 RMM Rameswaram 22:30 PM Friday Okha 10:20 AM Monday 16734 OKHA Okha 08:40 AM Tuesday Rameswaram 19:15 PM Thursday
Traction
Both trains are hauled by a Golden Rock Loco Shed based WDP-4D or Golden Rock Loco Shed based WDG-3A diesel locomotive between Rameswaram and . After Manamadurai, both trains are hauled by a Royampuram Loco Shed based WAP-7 electric locomotive up to Okha and vice versa.
References
External links 16733 Rameswaram - Okha Express at India Rail Info 16734 Okha - Rameswaram Express at India Rail Info