Ernakulam–Patna Superfast Express (via Asansol)

The 22643 / 22644 Ernakulam-Patna Superfast Express (via Asansol) is a Express train belonging to Indian Railways southern zone that runs between Ernakulam Junction and Patna Junction in India.

Varanasi-Tirupati Express was extended (on one day) to/from Cochin with effect from 1-11-1989

It operates as train number 22643 from Ernakulam Junction to Patna Junction and as train number 22644 in the reverse direction, serving the states of Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, West Bengal, Jharkhand and Bihar.

Coaches
The 22643 / 44 Express has one AC 2-tier, two AC 3-tier, 14 sleeper class, three general unreserved and two SLR (seating with luggage rake) coaches and two high capacity parcel van coaches. It carries a pantry car.

As is customary with most train services in India, coach composition may be amended at the discretion of Indian Railways depending on demand.

Service
The 22643 Ernakulam Junction –Patna Junction express covers the distance of 2795 km in 51 hours 15 mins (56 km/h) and in 51 hours 50 mins as the 22644 Patna Junction–Ernakulam Junction (55 km/h).

As the average speed of the train is slightly above 55 km/h, as per railway rules, its fare includes a Superfast surcharge.

Routing
The 22643 / 22644 runs from Ernakulam Junction via Palakkad Junction, Coimbatore Junction, Perambur, Tiruvottiyur, Vijayawada Junction, Visakhapatnam, Khurda Road, Bhubaneswar, Adra Junction, Asansol Junction, Madhupur Junction, Kiul Junction to Patna Junction.

Traction
As the route is fully electrified, an Erode Loco Shed or Arakkonam Loco Shed-based WAP-4 electric locomotive powers the train up to Visakhapatnam. Later, a Visakhapatnam Loco Shed-based WAP-7 electric locomotive takes the reversed direction and pulls the train up to Asansol Junction, later a Asansol Loco Shed-based WAP-4 electric locomotive takes one reversal and pulls the train to its destination.