Mumbai–Chennai Mail

Mumbai Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus – Chennai Egmore Superfast Fast mail Express
Mumbai Mail
Overview
Service typeSuperfast
First service15 March 1871 (1871-03-15)
Current operatorCentral Railway
Route
TerminiChhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT)
Chennai Egmore (MS)
Stops34 as 22157, 31 as 22158
Distance travelled1,289 km (801 mi)
Average journey time23 hours 23 minutes as 22157 Mumbai–Chennai Mail, 23 hours 5 minutes as 22158 Chennai–Mumbai Mail
Service frequencyDaily
Train number22157 / 22158
On-board services
ClassesAC 2 tier, AC 3 tier, Sleeper Class, General Unreserved
Seating arrangementsYes
Sleeping arrangementsYes
Catering facilitiesE-Catering available At CSMT; and every other station from Kalaburagi
Other facilitiesBedroll given In AC Coaches
Technical
Rolling stockLHB coach
Track gauge1,676 mm (5 ft 6 in)
Electrification100%
Operating speed130 km/h (81 mph) maximum
55 km/h (34 mph) including halts.
Route map

The 22157 / 22158 Mumbai CSMT – Chennai Egmore Superfast Mail is a train belonging to Indian RailwaysCentral Railway zone that runs between Mumbai Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus & Chennai Egmore in India. It was earlier known as Bombay–Madras Mail.

It operates as train number 22157 from Mumbai Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus to Chennai Egmore and as train number 22158 in the reverse direction, serving the states of Maharashtra, Karnataka, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh & Tamil Nadu.

History

The Mumbai-Chennai Mail service started on March 15, 1871 as Bombay-Madras Mail. Until 1997, this train used to cover 1,284 kilometres (798 mi) in 30 hours 00 mins via Renigunta -Guntakal line at an average speed of 42.80 km/h (27 mph) . After Guntakal - Bangalore Line was converted to Broad Gauge in 1997, the train was diverted to run via Bangalore, having a reversal there & covering 1,507 kilometres (936 mi) in 30 hours, running at an average speed of 50 km/h (31 mph) . In 2002, the route was reverted back to the Renigunta -Guntakal line. Journey took 28 hours 30 mins at an average speed of 45 km/h (28 mph). Finally in 2019, Mumbai-Chennai Mail was upgraded to Superfast express, drastically reducing journey time to 23 hrs 30 mins at average speed of 55 km/h (34 mph). As part of Indian Railways’ ongoing rolling stock modernization programme, the train was equipped with LHB coaches for the first time on 14 January 2025, replacing the long used ICF coaches. This marked a major milestone in the train’s history, bringing enhanced safety, improved ride quality, and compatibility with higher operational speeds, while continuing its legacy as a historic Mail service.

Coach composition

The train consists of:

  • 2 AC Two Tier
  • 3 AC Three Tier coaches
  • 5 Sleeper Class
  • 4 General Unreserved
  • 1 Sitting cum Luggage Rake
  • 1 End-On-Generation, Brake Cum Luggage Car
Loco 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16
SLR GS GS S5 S4 S3 S2 S1 B3 B2 B1 A1 A2 GS GS EOG

Service

The 22157 Mumbai CSMT–Chennai Egmore Mail covers the distance of 1,289 km (801 mi) in 23 hours 23 mins (55 km/h) and in 23 hours 15 mins as 22158 Chennai Egmore–Mumbai CSMT Mail (55 km/h).

Route

The 22157 / 22158 Mumbai CSMT–Chennai Egmore Mail runs from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) via Kalyan Junction, Karjat, Pune Junction, Daund Junction, Solapur Junction, Kalaburagi Junction, Wadi Junction, Adoni, Guntakal Junction, Gooty Junction, Yerraguntla Junction, Kadapa, Renigunta Junction, Arakkonam Junction, Perambur to Chennai Egmore.

Traction

As the entire Chennai-Mumbai line is electrified, this train is hauled end to end by a Royapuram-based WAP-7.

Operation

It runs on a daily basis.

Rake sharing

It shares its rakes with 22153/22154 Chennai Egmore-Salem Superfast Express.

References

  • "11027 Mumbai-Chennai Mail crossing Udyan at Boroti – YouTube". 17 April 2011. Retrieved 11 August 2014 – via YouTube.
  • "Chennai Mail Crossing Udyan Express – YouTube". 22 July 2011. Retrieved 11 August 2014 – via YouTube.
  • "Southern Railway Welcomes You". sr.indianrailways.gov.in. Retrieved 11 August 2014.
  • "Five stops to Chennai in less than 20 hours & Updates at Daily News & Analysis". Daily News and Analysis. 9 April 2009. Retrieved 11 August 2014.