Is there a direct train from Gariamal?

No, you must travel to Rourkela Junction to board a train to Chennai.

Which is the best highway?

NH 16 is the primary and most well-maintained highway for this route.

No, you must travel to Bhubaneswar or Jharsuguda for the nearest airport.

Is it safe for solo travelers?

Yes, the route is well-traveled and generally safe during daylight.

What is the toll cost?

Expect to pay around 1500 INR in total tolls for a one-way car trip.

Chennai

Train Driving

Gariamal to Chennai

Updated: 28 May 2026

The journey from Gariamal to Chennai spans approximately 1100 km. You should first reach Rourkela, the nearest major rail hub, to catch a direct train. The route primarily follows the coastal NH 16 corridor once you hit the Odisha-Andhra border. Travel time by train averages 20 hours, while driving takes nearly 24 hours. This route is a vital link connecting the mineral-rich belt of Odisha to the industrial hub of Chennai.

Total Distance: 1100 km by road, 950 km air distance.

Fastest Way

Train (Coromandel Express) is the fastest, taking roughly 20 hours.

Cheapest Way

Train (Sleeper Class) is the most economical at approximately 800 INR.

Compare Gariamal to Chennai Routes

	Train Connecting	Driving Direct
Duration	20 hours	24 hours
Avg Price	800 - 2500 INR	7000 - 10000 INR
Operator	Coromandel Express	Self-drive
Route	Rourkela Junction to Chennai Central	NH 143 to NH 16 via Bhubaneswar and Visakhapatnam
Tip	Book your tickets at least 60 days in advance for confirmed berths.	Ensure your vehicle has a valid FASTag for seamless toll payments.

Travel Tips

Station Choice
Always prefer Chennai Central over Egmore for better connectivity to the city center.
Local Transport
Use the Chennai Metro for avoiding peak hour traffic in the city.
Language
Learn basic Tamil phrases to communicate easily with local auto-rickshaw drivers.
Food
Try authentic South Indian filter coffee at local Saravana Bhavan outlets.
Weather
Carry light cotton clothing as Chennai remains humid throughout the year.

Safety Tips

Night Travel
Avoid traveling on isolated highway stretches during late night hours.
Valuables
Keep your luggage locked and secure while traveling on public transport.
Hydration
Drink only bottled or purified water to avoid stomach infections.
Emergency
Save the local police helpline number 100 in your phone contacts.