New regional freight connectivity
India’s First Coast to Coast Parcel Express Service: The Southern Railway has introduced India’s first coast-to-coast parcel express service. It directly links the eastern coastline of Chennai (Royapuram) with the western coastline of Mangaluru Central. This marks a major step in modernising railway logistics with assured delivery timelines.
Static GK fact: Royapuram station in Chennai is the oldest operational railway station in India, established in 1856.
Scheduled launch and frequency
The inaugural departure from Mangaluru is on 12 December 2025, arriving in Chennai the next day. The return service from Royapuram will begin on 16 December 2025. The train operates weekly, ensuring a predictable freight schedule for traders and manufacturers.
Route with major commercial hubs
The parcel express will halt at important industrial and business centres such as Salem, Tiruppur, Coimbatore, Palakkad, Kozhikode, Kannur and Kasaragod. These halts enable efficient loading, unloading, and redistribution across Tamil Nadu and Kerala.
Train configuration
The service is designed with high-capacity parcel vans supported by luggage-cum-brake vans. Each coach is labelled by destination to speed up handling operations at every stop. This reduces station dwell time, prevents congestion, and enhances parcel sorting accuracy.
Commodities and traders supported
The train will support movement of:
- perishables including fruits, vegetables, dairy
- textiles and garments from Tiruppur and Coimbatore
- electronics and white goods
- industrial and consumer products
Weekly timelines help ensure on-time regional distribution, benefiting manufacturers and small-scale businesses.
Static GK tip: Indian Railways is one of the world’s largest freight carriers and handles nearly 1.5 billion tonnes of goods annually.
Efficient and transparent operations
A time-tabled logistics model ensures accountability and improved freight planning. Real-time tracking tools contribute to punctuality and higher logistics visibility. This model supports rising demand for organised freight networks in southern India.
Economic and logistics impact
The service boosts coastal-to-coastal trade by connecting two major ports — Chennai Port and New Mangalore Port — through an inland commercial belt. It encourages a modal shift from road to rail, reducing logistics cost and travel delays.
Static GK fact: India’s Dedicated Freight Corridors (DFCs) are being developed to further reduce freight costs and expand high-speed cargo operations across the country.
Strategic significance
This initiative underscores Southern Railway’s commitment to expanding fast, reliable, and cost-effective freight solutions. It is expected to improve supply chains in Tamil Nadu and Kerala, benefiting MSMEs, agriculture-based industries, and the coastal trading ecosystem.
Static Usthadian Current Affairs Table
India’s First Coast to Coast Parcel Express Service:
| Topic | Detail |
| Introducing authority | Southern Railway |
| Service type | First coast-to-coast parcel express in India |
| Primary terminals | Royapuram (Chennai) and Mangaluru Central |
| Launch schedule | 12 December 2025 first departure |
| Operation frequency | Weekly fixed timetable |
| Major halts | Salem, Tiruppur, Coimbatore, Palakkad, Kozhikode, Kannur, Kasaragod |
| Train composition | Dedicated high-capacity parcel vans with luggage-cum-brake vans |
| Key purpose | Faster parcel mobility and regional supply-chain support |
| Commodity focus | Perishables, textiles, white goods, industrial items |
| Economic impact | Boosts coastal connectivity and organised freight movement |
