In view of the increased demand for travel during the Deepavali season, Southern Railway has scheduled 272 services of 58 special trains across high-demand sectors, ensuring convenient travel for passengers. With a strong emphasis on providing smooth and hassle-free journeys, several initiatives have been introduced, particularly within the Thiruvananthapuram Division, to cater to passenger needs.
Within the Thiruvananthapuram Division, special trains are set to run on popular routes to accommodate the seasonal travel surge. Key routes include Thiruvananthapuram North – H. Nizamuddin – Thiruvananthapuram North, Thiruvananthapuram North – SMVT Bengaluru – Thiruvananthapuram North, Kottayam – MGR Chennai Central – Kottayam, and Yesvantpur – Kottayam – Yesvantpur. These services have been carefully scheduled to manage increased passenger volume on both long-distance and intra-state routes, thereby improving connectivity.
To meet the heightened demand within the Thiruvananthapuram Division, Southern Railway has added extra coaches to 10 pairs of trains, effectively expanding capacity and reducing waiting lists. Additional ticket-checking staff have also been stationed at major points to handle crowds efficiently.
The special trains scheduled for Deepavali provide extensive nationwide connectivity. Covering prominent routes, they link key sectors such as Chennai – Madurai – Tirunelveli – Kanyakumari, Chennai – Kottayam, and Kochuveli with popular destinations, including Bengaluru, Mumbai, and Delhi. Extending across India, these services connect Southern Railway destinations with Visakhapatnam (Andhra Pradesh), Santragachi and Shalimar (West Bengal), Ambala Cantt (Haryana), as well as Barauni and Dhanbad (Bihar)
To further prioritize passenger safety, Southern Railway has taken steps to ensure timely arrivals, closely monitoring the punctuality of all Deepavali special trains. Special arrangements have also been made to manage large crowds effectively. Government Railway Police (GRP) and Railway Protection Force (RPF) personnel are stationed at foot-over bridges and key locations to ensure orderly movement and prevent overcrowding during peak hours. Additionally, CCTV control rooms are actively monitoring crowded areas to provide real-time assistance.
Queue systems have been introduced at originating and major enroute stations for general coaches, streamlining the boarding process and enhancing passenger convenience. Passengers are encouraged to book tickets in advance to avoid last-minute rush and ensure a comfortable journey. Detailed schedules, routes, and timings of all Diwali special trains are available on the official Southern Railway website and IRCTC portals.
Committed to providing a safe and comfortable travel experience this Deepavali season, Southern Railway appreciates passengers’ cooperation in following travel guidelines to ensure a seamless journey.