JagRail's video: Pallavan Express in the Karaikkudi - Trichy section behind a Diesel Loco

Watch Pallavan Express captured behind a Diesel Locomotive, a Golden Rock Alco, in the Karaikkudi - Tiruchchirappalli line. As the Trichy - Karaikudi section has not been electrified yet, the train runs with Diesel Power for the 90km stretch. EMD locos are the usual handlers of the train though any of the ALCO based locos WDG3A, WDM3A, WDM3D, WDP3A too provide their services occasionally as seen in this video. The train's link was not identified properly apart from the fact that it was an ALCo from Golden Rock (GOC). In both the directions, Pallavan Express traverses this section while its dark (Early Morning and late Night) and that played its part in spilling grains all over the captures. The delayed daybreak during February didn't help either. Please do pardon that. The capture was made in the suburbs of Tiruchi, about 5~6km from TPJ. As mentioned, a full journey of Pallavan Express requires two different locomotives, one each from Electric and Diesel Traction. WAP7 or WAP4 does the job under wires while WDP4, WDP4B, WDP4D or even a digger or deemer takes charge in the unelectrified sections. Tiruchchirappalli Junction is where the loco change takes place. 02606 / 02605 Karaikkudi - Chennai Egmore Pallavan Express is a daily intercity train that is operated between Madras and Karaikudi by the Madurai Division of Southern Railway. 12605 / 12606 Pallavan Exp got numbered as 02605 / 02606 COVID19 Special Train. It earlier ran only up to Tiruchchirappalli before getting extended to Karaikkudi in 2013. As per Rake Sharing Arrangement in Indian Railways, Pallavan Exp shares its LHB rakes with 02635 / 02636 Chennai Egmore - Madurai Vaigai Express (12635 / 12636). Both the trains were inaugurated on India's Independence Day, albeit different years. The rake comprises 3 AC Chair Car coaches, 13 Second Sitting (2S) Coaches, 3 Deen Dayalu General Coaches and 2 End on Generating coaches (EOG). Pallavan Express is named after the Pallava Dynasty who had their rule in the Northern region of the present day Tamil Nadu, similar to the Cheran, Cholan Pandian Express named after the Cheras, Cholas and Pandias. For better viewing experiences, watch the video at 1080p60 and use headphones. © 2021, JagRail