In a move to cater to the surge of pilgrims during the ongoing Sabarimala season, the Southern Railway has decided to operate a series of special trains. These trains will run via the Podanur junction, providing crucial connectivity for devotees traveling from various parts of South India.
Detailed Schedule for the Special Services
The railway administration has released specific timings for the new services. The first special train, numbered 07126, will run from Kollam to Narasapur in Andhra Pradesh. This train is scheduled to depart from Kollam at 2:30 AM on December 29. It will reach its destination, Narasapur, at 12:30 PM on the following day.
Furthermore, special train services will connect Charlapalli in Telangana with Kollam. The train numbered 07127 will leave Charlapalli at 10:30 AM on January 10 and January 17. This service is expected to arrive in Kollam at 10:00 PM on the next day of its departure.
Return Journey Details
For the return journey, the 07128 Kollam to Charlapalli special train will be available. This train will depart from Kollam at 2:30 AM on January 12 and January 19. Passengers on this service will arrive at Charlapalli at 1:20 PM on the subsequent day.
Easing Pilgrim Traffic and Passenger Convenience
The introduction of these special trains via Podanur is a direct response to the consistently high passenger demand witnessed every Sabarimala pilgrimage season. By adding these extra services, Southern Railway aims to:
- Reduce congestion on regular train services.
- Provide a dedicated and comfortable travel option for pilgrims.
- Ensure smoother connectivity between key locations in Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana.
Passengers planning their pilgrimage are advised to take note of the exact dates and timings to schedule their journeys accordingly. The use of the Podanur route is a strategic decision to optimize network capacity and travel time during this peak period.
