Our Chennai to Trichy journey on Tejas Express made an ordinary morning train trip feel special. Comfortable seating, breakfast on board and green scenery outside the window gave us plenty to enjoy along the way.

This experience was first published on 27 April 2022. The timings, fare and onboard service described below belong to that original journey; they are not a current timetable or price guide.

Orange Tejas Express coaches beside a station platform
Tejas Express, from our Chennai to Trichy journey.

An early start from Chennai

For our trip, the doors opened at around 5:30 am on platform 2, and the train left Chennai at 6 am. We reached Trichy at approximately 9:55 am.

The journey took about three hours and 55 minutes. For us, reaching Trichy before the morning was over made the early departure worthwhile. It felt like a convenient way to cover the distance without spending most of the day travelling.

Inside the coach: comfort and small details

The automatic doors, sensor-operated taps and adjustable cushioned seats stood out. CCTV cameras were fitted inside the coaches, and the interiors felt more modern than the train journeys I was used to.

Window view and rows of seats inside a Tejas Express coach
A look inside the Tejas Express coach.

The seating and overall appearance helped make the trip comfortable. These observations describe the train we travelled on; facilities and coach arrangements can differ between services.

Passengers seated with newspapers and breakfast inside the Tejas Express coach
Another view of the coach interior.

Breakfast, tea and onboard service

During our journey, the service included a one-litre water bottle and English and Tamil newspapers. At booking, there were options for a vegetarian breakfast, a non-vegetarian breakfast or no meal.

The vegetarian breakfast on our journey included two idlis, chutney, sambar, pongal, kesari and vadai. The non-vegetarian option included bread, a double omelette, two cutlets and a cake. Tea or coffee was offered before and after breakfast.

Paper cup on the tray table inside Tejas Express
Tea on board during the journey.

My fare note from the trip was ₹730 plus ₹120 for breakfast, making a total of ₹850. This records what I paid at the time. Check the fare, class and catering options for your own travel date before booking.

Tea supplies and a packet of biscuits on a Tejas Express service tray
Tea and biscuits on Tejas Express.

Watching the journey go by

What stayed with me most was the view of green trees passing outside the window. Along with songs that brought back old memories, it gave the journey a relaxed, familiar charm.

I enjoyed the combination of a comfortable seat, breakfast and an unhurried view of the landscape. For this Chennai–Trichy trip, Tejas Express made the time spent travelling part of the experience.

Before planning your own trip

  • Check IRCTC for trains, fares, availability and meal options for your chosen date.
  • Use the National Train Enquiry System (NTES) for train-running information.
  • Confirm your boarding station on your ticket and your platform using station displays or announcements. The platform and timings in this account describe our earlier trip.