In anticipation of the massive passenger surge during the upcoming Pongal festival, the Southern Railway has unveiled plans to operate a series of special train services across Tamil Nadu and connecting neighbouring states. The move aims to ensure smooth and convenient travel for thousands of homebound passengers celebrating the harvest festival.
Booking Details and Operational Period
The railways have confirmed that advance reservations for these special trains will commence at 8:00 am on Sunday, January 4. This early opening is designed to help passengers secure their seats well in time. The special services are scheduled to run between January 8 and January 21, 2025, covering the peak travel period around the festival.
Key Routes and Train Services
The special trains will connect major destinations and pilgrimage centers with key terminals in Chennai and other hubs. Important originating points include Nagercoil, Kanniyakumari, Tirunelveli, Rameswaram, Coimbatore, Podanur, Mangaluru, Erode, and Sengottai. These will be linked to terminals such as Tambaram, Dr. MGR Chennai Central, and Chennai Egmore.
Some of the prominent services announced are:
- Train No. 06012/06011 Nagercoil–Tambaram–Kanniyakumari Superfast Specials: Operating on January 11, 12, 18, and 19.
- Train No. 06054/06053 Kanniyakumari–Tambaram–Nagercoil Express Specials: Running on January 13, 14, 20, and 21.
- Train No. 06156/06155 & 06158/06157 Tirunelveli–Chengalpattu Superfast Specials: Available on January 9, 10, 16, and 17.
- Train No. 06034/06033 Coimbatore–Dr. MGR Chennai Central Express Specials: Bookings open for journeys on January 11, 12, 18, and 19.
Additional Connectivity Options
To further ease the congestion, several other special trains have been added to the schedule. Passengers can also avail services like the Train No. 06070/06069 Tirunelveli–Chennai Egmore Superfast Special, the Train No. 06126/06125 Mangaluru–Chennai Central Express Special, the Train No. 06025/06026 Erode–Sengottai–Podanur Express Special, and the Train No. 06106/06105 Rameswaram–Tambaram Special.
The comprehensive list of trains indicates a focused effort by Southern Railway to cater to the diverse travel needs from various corners of the state and beyond. This annual initiative is crucial for managing the festive rush and ensuring that families can reunite for the celebrations without last-minute travel hassles.
Commuters are advised to plan their journeys early and check the official Southern Railway website or counters for any last-minute updates regarding schedules and seat availability. With bookings opening this Sunday, securing tickets promptly is recommended to avoid disappointment during this high-demand travel season.
