Ernakulam–Patna Superfast Express (via Asansol)

Ernakulam–Patna Superfast Express (via Asansol)

Overview
Service type	Superfast
First service	1 May 1989 (1989-05-01)
Current operator(s)	Southern Railway
Route
Termini	Ernakulam Junction (ERS) Patna Junction (PNBE)
Stops	43
Distance travelled	2,788 km (1,732 mi)
Average journey time	50 hours 40 mins
Service frequency	Bi-weekly
Train number(s)	22643 / 22644
On-board services
Class(es)	AC 2 tier, AC 3 tier, Sleeper class, General Unreserved
Seating arrangements	Yes
Sleeping arrangements	Yes
Catering facilities	Available
Observation facilities	Large windows
Baggage facilities	Available
Other facilities	Below the seats
Technical
Rolling stock	LHB coach
Track gauge	1,676 mm (5 ft 6 in)
Operating speed	55 km/h (34 mph) average including halts.

The 22643 / 22644 Ernakulam-Patna Superfast Express (via Asansol) is a Express train belonging to Indian Railways southern zone that runs between Ernakulam Junction and Patna Junction in India.

Varanasi-Tirupati Express was extended (on one day) to/from Cochin with effect from 1-11-1989

It operates as train number 22643 from Ernakulam Junction to Patna Junction and as train number 22644 in the reverse direction, serving the states of Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, West Bengal, Jharkhand and Bihar.

Coaches

The 22643 / 44 Express has one AC 2-tier, two AC 3-tier, 14 sleeper class, three general unreserved and two SLR (seating with luggage rake) coaches and two high capacity parcel van coaches. It carries a 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

The 22643 Ernakulam Junction –Patna Junction express covers the distance of 2,795 km (1,737 mi) in 51 hours 15 mins (56 km/h) and in 51 hours 50 mins as the 22644 Patna Junction–Ernakulam Junction (55 km/h).

As the average speed of the train is slightly above 55 km/h (34 mph), as per railway rules, its fare includes a Superfast surcharge.

Routing

The 22643 / 22644 runs from Ernakulam Junction via Palakkad Junction, Coimbatore Junction, Perambur, Tiruvottiyur, Vijayawada Junction, Visakhapatnam, Khurda Road, Bhubaneswar, Adra Junction, Asansol Junction, Madhupur Junction, Kiul Junction to Patna Junction.

Traction

As the route is fully electrified, an Erode Loco Shed or Arakkonam Loco Shed-based WAP-4 electric locomotive powers the train up to Visakhapatnam. Later, a Visakhapatnam Loco Shed-based WAP-7 electric locomotive takes the reversed direction and pulls the train up to Asansol Junction, later a Asansol Loco Shed-based WAP-4 electric locomotive takes one reversal and pulls the train to its destination.

External links

• 22643 Ernakulam Patna Express at India Rail Info
• 22644 Patna Ernakulam Express at India Rail Info