Thiruvananthapuram/New Delhi: The Ministry of Railways announced on Saturday the operation of 10 special trains to accommodate the increased travel demand to and from Kerala during Christmas, as well as 149 special train services across various railway zones for the festive season. Additionally, 416 special train trips have been arranged to ensure smooth travel for Sabarimala pilgrims.

Union Minister George Kurian, who had requested the approval for these special trains, expressed his gratitude to Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw for granting the request.

A total of 149 special trips will operate across multiple railway zones for Christmas. These include 17 trips by South Western Railway (SWR), 48 by Central Railway (CR), 22 by Northern Railway (NR), two by South East Central Railway (SECR), 56 by Western Railway (WR), and four by West Central Railway (WCR), according to the release.

Furthermore, 416 special train trips have been scheduled to cater to the travel needs of Sabarimala pilgrims in Kerala. These include 42 trips by SWR, 138 by Southern Railway (SR), 192 by South Central Railway (SCR), and 44 by East Coast Railway (ECOR), PTI reported.

These special services aim to ensure smooth and convenient travel for passengers while addressing the increased demand during both the festive and pilgrimage seasons, stated a release issued by the ministry.