It was an occasion for the Southern Railway to feel proud and also commemorate as it celebrated the centenary of the 22159/60 Chennai-Mumbai Superfast Express.

According to official sources, this train had made its maiden run on December 1, 1921. Then it was called the Madras-Bombay fast passenger train.

In its statement the railways stated that the conversion of this passenger service into express service took place from March 1, 1930. Later on July 1 in the very same year it became a superfast train.

The distance covered by this train is 1,284 kilometres.

The Press release said: “The train passes through 31 railway stations between Chennai and Mumbai running via popular destinations Pune, Daund, Solapur, Yadgir, Raichur, Guntakal, Cuddapah, Renigunta and Arakkonam. The train offers travellers, multiple class coaches, to choose train seats/berths.”

The Southern Railway authorities organised an event to commemorate the centenary of the popular train service at the Dr MGR Chennai Central Railway Station just before its departure to Mumbai. The locomotive and the last two coaches were decorated. To mark the event a cake was cut as well besides cakes and toffees were distributed to the staff as well as the passengers.

The senior staff waved the flag to set off the train on its centenary journey.