Ganga Kaveri Express

It is named after two Indian Rivers; Ganga (which flows in the holy city of Varanasi, also Chhapra) and Kaveri river (a River which flows in the Southern states of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu).

The Superfast of train number 139/140 started its service to Varanasi from Madras Beach station, from the opposite platform where an MG Ganga Kaveri Express used to run to Rameswaram since Chennai Beach–Chennai Egmore–Rameswaram line was still in metre gauge. Later the Superfast status was erased, made to terminate at Madras Central (now Chennai Central instead of Madras Beach (now Chennai Beach) as an Express and connection with Madras–Rameswaram Express removed and name changed from Ganga Kaveri Exp to Madras–Varanasi Express. Thus increased halts at some stations, converted from one-night to two-nights train, slowed down by more than 3 hours, Green and Yellow colored rakes withdrawn and AC sleeper service introduced.^[4] Later, in 90's Jaffer Sharief introduced the train which is running currently as Ganga Kaveri Express^[5][6][7] for the benefit of South Indian tourists, willing to travel to holy city of Varanasi.^[8][9][10] This train was extended to Chhapra in December 2006 despite a stiff opposition from the Local South Indians in Varanasi, who alleged that quota may be reduced for Varanasi bound passengers.^[11][12] Currently, this train is under criticism since the name of the train currently running wasn't suitable (because this train originates in Chennai not in Trichy where Kaveri river is running and in Chennai only Coovum river is there and hence reason).Also passengers are requesting to change these old, rusting coaches(this train was running still with old ICF rakes for 40+ years) to new LHB rakes since this train is highly preferred for local tourist organisations and senior citizens following Hinduism for doing last rites such as Funeral ceremony and ceremonies to the deceased ancestors and also it is the only straight train from Chennai to Varanasi.

The train runs from MGR Chennai Central via Gudur, Ongole, Vijayawada, Khammam, Warangal, Ramagundam, Balharshah Junction, Nagpur, Itarsi, Jabalpur Junction, Katni, Satna, Allahabad, Varanasi Junction Ghazipur City and Ballia to Chhapra.

It is hauled by a Royapuram Loco Shed-based WAP-7 electric locomotive from MGR Chennai Central to Prayagraj Junction. And then handing over to an Kanpur Loco Shed-based WAP-7 electric locomotive from Prayagraj Junction to Chhapra Junction and vice versa.

The train shares its rake with 12691/12692 MGR Chennai Central-Shivamogga Town Superfast Express.

The train runs with LHB coach. It has 1 AC First Class, 3 AC Two Tier, 2 AC Three Tier, 11 Sleeper class, 2 General Unreserved, 2 Luggage cum Generator Car and 1 pantry car (a total of 22 coaches).

Loco	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	10	11	12	13	14	15	16	17	18	19	20	21	22	23	24
	SLR	GS	S11	S10	S9	S8	S7	S6	S5	S4	S3	PC	S2	S1	B2	B1	A3	A2	A1	H1	GS	EOG	PV	PV

It shares its rake with,

12691/12692 - Chennai Central - Sri Sathya Sai Prashanti Nilayam SSPN Weekly SF Express.

• Tamil Nadu Express
• Sanghamithra Express
• Bagmati Express
• Manikarnika Express
• List of named passenger trains of India
• Indian Railways – Travel Coach types and their seating / berths

• Ganga Kaveri Express at India Rail Info
• Ganga Kaveri Express at India Rail Info