Thiruvananthapuram, July 7: In a major relief for passengers planning to travel home during the Onam festival, Indian Railways has announced plans to operate 100 special trains connecting Kerala with major cities across the country. The initiative is aimed at accommodating the sharp increase in passenger traffic expected during one of Kerala’s busiest travel seasons.
According to railway officials, the special services will operate on high-demand routes linking Kerala with cities such as Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, Mumbai, New Delhi, Pune, Mangaluru, and Coimbatore. These trains are expected to supplement the existing schedule and help reduce congestion on regular services, which are typically booked well in advance during the festive period.
The Railway Ministry stated that the additional trains have been planned after reviewing passenger demand, previous years’ travel patterns, and booking trends. The services will include both reserved and select unreserved coaches, allowing more passengers to travel conveniently during the holiday season.
Officials said that the special trains will be introduced in phases, with detailed schedules, departure timings, stoppages, and reservation dates to be announced through official railway channels. Passengers have been advised to regularly check railway websites, mobile applications, and station announcements for updates on bookings and train operations.
Onam is one of the most significant festivals in Kerala, drawing thousands of students, professionals, and families back to their hometowns from different parts of India. Every year, demand for train tickets rises sharply, often resulting in long waiting lists on popular routes. The introduction of additional services is expected to ease this pressure and provide more travel options for passengers.
Railway authorities have also directed zonal railway divisions to strengthen crowd management measures at major stations, deploy additional staff where necessary, and ensure smooth boarding and passenger assistance throughout the festive period. Security arrangements and passenger amenities are also being enhanced to handle the increased rush.
The announcement of 100 special trains is expected to bring considerable relief to travelers, making festive journeys more convenient while helping ensure safe, efficient, and comfortable travel to Kerala during the upcoming Onam celebrations.
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