Matsyagandha Express


The 12619/20 Matsyagandha Superfast Express is a daily superfast train running between Lokmanya Tilak Terminus and Mangaluru Central.. The train was introduced on 1 May 1998 as Mangalore-Kurla Express.. The Matsyagandha express train travels through some of the very difficult terrains of India.

Background

Matsyagandha literally means "Smell of Fish" - the appellation was given since the train runs along the fishing coast of Western India adjoining the Arabian sea - Konkan railway route. The name is based on a name of character from the epic Mahabharata. It is a story of Satyavati who smell like a fish. Matsyagandha is also a famous Marathi musical play written by Vasant Kanetkar. The train has become important link and emotional chord for natives of Dakshina Kannada, Karwar and Udupi districts living in Mumbai and surrounding cities.

Locomotion

As the route is not completely electrified, an Erode or Golden Rock based WDP-4D or ED WDM 3D hauls the train end to end.

Rake Sharing

It shares its rake with the 16347/16348 Thiruvananthapuram Central - Mangaluru Central Express.

Arrival and Departure

12619 Matsyagandha express departs Lokmanya Tilak Terminus Mumbai at 15.20 and reaches Mangaluru at 7.30 next day while
12620 Matsyagandha express departs Mangaluru at 14.35 and reaches Lokmanya Tilak Terminus Mumbai at 6.35 next day. However, monsoon timetable may vary.

Accident

This service had a major accident on 16 June 2004, known as the Karanjadi train crash. It derailed and fell off a bridge after colliding with boulders on the tracks, killing 14 people near Karanjadi station.