Special train between Chennai Egmore-Kollam
Special train between Chennai Egmore-Kollam (Train No. 06101 / 06102) time table, route, frequency and fare
For the convenience of passengers, Soutern Railway has decided to run special train between Chennai Egmore-Kollam Jn-Chennai Egmore (Train No. 06101 / 06102)
Train No. 06101 Chennai Egmore-Kollam Jn special train
Train No. 06101 Chennai Egmore-Kollam Jn Special train will leave from (Daily) Chennai Egmore at 17.00 hrs & will reach Kollam Jn at 08.45 hrs and train running time between the station 15 hour and 45 minutes.
Train No. 06102 Kollam Jn-Chennai Egmore special train
Similarly, Train No. 06102 Kollam Jn-Chennai Egmore Special train will leave from (Daily) Kollam Jn at 12.00 hrs & will reach Chennai Egmore at 03.05 hrs and train running time between the station 15 hour and 5 minutes.
Chennai Egmore-Kollam Jn Distance between the station is 761 Kilometer
Stoppages: Tambaram, Chengalpattu, Villupuram, Vridhachallam, Tiruchchirappalli, Dindugal, Madurai, Virudhunagar, Srivilliputhur, Rajaplayam, Sankarankoil, Kadayanallur, Tenkasi, Sengottai, Punnalur, Avaneswaram, Kottarakara and Kundara.
Date of Commencement of Service:
Train No. 06101 from Chennai Egmore-Kollam Jn special train 25-10-2025
Train No: 06102 from Kollam Jn-Chennai Egmore special train 26-10-2025
Here’s the latest on special train services between Chennai Egmore (MS) and Kollam Junction (QLN), along with dependable regular train options:
Contents
🚆 Special Fare Trains
- Train 06031XXXX – Chennai Egmore → Kollam Special Fare Pongal Special
• A one-off festival train running around Pongal, departing Chennai Egmore at ~23:45 and arriving Kollam ~17:00 next day, journey time ~17 h 15 m over ~846 km with 14 halts
• As a special fare service, it is seasonal and limited in frequency—typically not offered beyond the festival window. - No other currently active 0xxxx-series (special trains) are scheduled on this route.
✅ Regular Train: 16101 / 16102 Chennai Egmore – Kollam Express
- **Train 16101 (Egmore → Kollam)**
• Departs 17:00 IST daily, arriving Kollam ~07:10 AM the next day
• Covers ~738 km in approximately 13 h 43 m, stopping at 23 stations including Tambaram, Madurai, Thiruvananthapuram and Trivandrum North station at some runs - Train 16102 (reverse) runs daily from Kollam to Chennai Egmore at ~15:00, arriving ~03:00–04:00 next day.
📊 Quick Comparison
| Train No. | Route | Type | Frequency | Departure | Arrival | Duration | Coach Classes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 06031XXXX | Egmore → Kollam (festival) | Special Fare Train | Once (Pongal) | ~23:45 | ~17:00 (Next day) | ~17 h 15 m | SL, 3A, 2A (limited) |
| 16101/16102 | Egmore ↔ Kollam | Regular Express | Daily | Egmore 17:00 / Kollam ~15:00 | Kollam 07:10 / Egmore ~03:00 | ~13 h 45 m | 2A, 3A, SL, GN |
🔍 Which Service to Choose?
- For most travel needs, Train 16101/16102 (Chennai Egmore – Kollam Express) is the best option:
- Runs daily, offers faster journey (~13h43m vs ~17h), consistent coach availability, and better punctuality.
- As a regular express, it includes AC classes, Sleeper, and General seating.
- The special festival train (06031XXXX) is only useful during festival periods like Pongal, and operates once or twice. It often has fewer amenities and longer travel time.
ℹ️ Additional Context
- The regular express runs via the historic Quilon–Madras route, traversing through Chengalpattu, Tiruchchirappalli, Madurai, Punalur, and Thiruvananthapuram before reaching Kollam Junction — all sections are now fully electrified as of mid-2025
- In July 2025, the Chennai–Thiruvananthapuram Express (another train on similar route) was switched to terminate at Thiruvananthapuram North (Kochuveli), causing passenger inconvenience due to transportation gaps—a reminder to check terminal changes before travel
- During Onam 2025, Southern Railway operated 34 festival special trains into Kerala, including new routes like Chennai–Kollam services—reinforcing the possibility of temporary specials during peak travel windows
✅ Recommendation & Next Steps
- Plan your trip with 16101/16102 Kollam Express as your default — most reliable and convenient.
- For travel during festival periods, check IRCTC or WhereIsMyTrain a month ahead, as special trains like 06031XXXX might be activated—be cautious of limited frequency and delay potential.
- Always verify the latest running days, terminal stations, and seat availability via official booking platforms, especially near regional holidays.
Would you like help checking seat availability or fare options for the Kollam Express or details on potential festival specials?