| Matsyagandha Superfast Express | |
| Type: | Superfast Express |
| Locale: | Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka |
| Operator: | Southern Railway |
| Start: | Lokmanya Tilak Terminus |
| Stops: | 24 halts (only for 12619) and 22 halts (only for 12620) |
| End: | Mangaluru Central |
| Distance: | 883km (549miles) |
| Journeytime: | 16hrs |
| Frequency: | Daily |
| Class: | 1 AC 2 Tier, 3 AC 3 Tier, 12 Sleeper coaches, 5 Unreserved coaches |
| Seating: | Yes |
| Sleeping: | Yes |
| Catering: | No |
| Observation: | ICF coach |
| Entertainment: | No |
| Trainnumber: | 12619/12620 |
| Speed: | 55km/h Average with halts |
The 12619/20 Matsyagandha Superfast Express is a daily Superfast Express train running between Lokmanya Tilak Terminus (Mumbai) and Mangaluru Central.[1] The train was introduced on 1 May 1998 as Mangalore-Kurla Express.[2] The Matsyagandha Express travels through some of the very difficult terrains of India.[3] Matsyagandha Express (Train number 02619 run as special) travelling from Lokmanya Tilak Terminus, Mumbai (LTT) to Mangaluru Central became first train to take Roha-Veer double line on Konkan railway route on 30 August 2021 at 7.30p.m.[4]
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). Matsyagandha is also a famous Marathi musical play written by Vasant Kanetkar.[5] The train has become important link and emotional chord for natives of Dakshina Kannada, Udupi and Uttara Kannada districts living in Mumbai and surrounding cities.
As the Route is electrified, an Arakkonam based WAP4 hauls the 12619/12620 train from end-to-end.
12619 Matsyagandha Express departs Lokmanya Tilak Terminus, Mumbai at 15.20 and reaches Mangaluru Central(MAQ) at 7.30 A.M. next day,While 12620 Matsyagandha Express departs Mangaluru Central(MAQ)railway station at 14.35 and reaches Lokmanya Tilak Terminus, Mumbai at 6.35 next day. However, during monsoon (rainy season) the train has different time table. The monsoon time table of Konkan railway Corporation Limited is generally from 15 June to 30 September of every year.
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 20 people near Karanjadi station.[6]