Those planning to head home for Onam this year have reasons to cheer. The Southern Railway has augmented several regular trains with additional coaches, understanding the high demand and the need to accommodate more passengers. This year, 190 additional coaches had been allocated to regular trains with long waiting lists, according to the Southern Railways. They say increased ticket availability allows more passengers to travel with reserved seats on regular trains. Those looking for tickets can reserve them via the IRCTC website or app.
Special trains
A total of 129 special train trips were also introduced for the Onam season this year. They are facilitating travel for 1,48,200 passengers, as compared to 52 trips in 2023-2024 and just 22 trips in 2022-2023, they said. One of the special trains is scheduled today from Hubbali to Kochuveli via Bengaluru for the Malayalis going home for Onam. The return service from Kochuveli is on September 14.
The Hubbali—Kochuveli special (07333) leaves Hubbali at 6.55 a.m. and reaches Kochuveli at 6.45 the next morning. Meanwhile, the Kochuveli—Hubbali special (07334) departs at 12.50 p.m. on September 14 and reaches Hubbali at 12.50 p.m. on September 15. This train stops at Palakkad, Thrissur, Aluva, Ernakulam Town, Kottayam, Thiruvalla, Chengannur, Kayamkulam, and Kollam stations.
Another train, the Secunderabad - Kollam Festival Special (07119 ) will leave Secunderabad at 5.30 pm on September 13 and reach Kollam at 11.20 pm on September 14. The return train (07120) will leave Kollam at 2.30 am on September 15 and reach Secunderabad at 10.30 pm on September 16.
The Chennai Egmore—Kochuveli special train (06160) will operate as a one-way service, departing Chennai Egmore at 3:15 pm. on September 13. The Ernakulam-Yelahanka tri-weekly superfast express special (06101 ) will operate on Sundays, Wednesdays, and Fridays until September 18. The Yelahanka—Ernakulam train (06102) will operate on Mondays, Thursdays, and Saturdays until September 19.
There are two special trains for those travelling between Dr MGR Chennai Central and Kannur. Train no. 06163 will run from Dr MGR Chennai Central to Kannur at 11.50 pm on September 14 and reach Kannur at 1.30 pm the next day. The train 06164 will also run from Kannur to Dr MGR Chennai Central at 3.45 pm on September 16 and arrive in Chennai at 7.55 am on September 17.