The inauguration of this train was on 30 June 2002[1] operating six days a week.

In the beginning it ran between Chennai Egmore and Thiruvananthapuram Central.

In 2017 railway budget, it was extended[2] to Kollam with effect from 1 November 2017.

The primary maintenanced by the four rakes of the express at Tiruchchirappalli (Trichy) coaching depot.

[5] The engine of 16723 Express caught fire at Kollam Junction on 16 July 2018.