The recent disruption in domestic air travel due to the widespread cancellation of IndiGo flights has prompted swift action from Southern Railway, ensuring travellers have alternative transport options. Effective immediately, several prominent trains connecting southern cities with major northern and western hubs will operate with additional AC three-tier coaches, providing much-needed relief for passengers stranded by the airline’s sudden schedule changes.
Here’s a quick walk through for all key Railway routes with additional coaches
- Tiruchchirappalli–Jodhpur Humsafar Express (20482/20481) – Extra AC coach on 6 & 10 Dec
- Chennai Central–Thiruvananthapuram Central Superfast Express (12695/12696) – Extra AC coach on 6 & 7 Dec
- Chennai Central–Mangaluru Central Superfast Express (12601/12602) – Extra AC coach on 6 Dec
- Chennai Beach–Mumbai CST Express (22158/22157) – Extra AC coach on 6 & 7 Dec
Passengers planning journeys from Bengaluru, Chennai, and other southern cities should take note of the temporary additions. On 6 December 2025, the Tiruchchirappalli–Jodhpur Humsafar Express (Train No. 20482) will
feature an extra AC three-tier coach. Its return journey from Jodhpur to Tiruchchirappalli (Train No. 20481) will also see the addition of the same on 10 December 2025, offering enhanced comfort for long-distance travellers.
For passengers travelling within the southern region, the Dr MGR Chennai Central–Thiruvananthapuram Central Superfast Express (Train No. 12695) will have an additional AC three-tier coach starting 6 December, while the return journey (Train No. 12696) will see the upgrade on 7 December. Similarly, the Dr MGR Chennai Central–Mangaluru Central Superfast Express (Train No. 12601) will provide extra AC accommodation on 6 December, easing the burden on regular coaches during this travel disruption.
The Mumbai–Chennai corridor has also been addressed, with Train No. 22158 from Chennai Beach to Mumbai CST scheduled to include an additional AC three-tier coach on 6 December. The return service from Mumbai CST to Chennai Beach (Train No. 22157) will follow suit on 7 December, providing passengers with a more comfortable journey amid the ongoing air travel turmoil.
These measures come at a crucial time as travellers across southern India, particularly in Bengaluru, Chennai, and Mangaluru, scramble for alternative options following IndiGo’s nationwide flight cancellations. With many relying on trains as a dependable mode of long-distance transport, the temporary addition of AC coaches is expected to significantly alleviate passenger congestion and enhance travel comfort.
Southern Railway has urged passengers to plan their trips accordingly and book tickets in advance, highlighting that these extra coaches are a temporary arrangement in response to the current disruption in the aviation sector. The initiative reflects the railways’ ability to swiftly adapt to sudden changes in travel demand and prioritise passenger convenience.
For real-time updates, bookings, and detailed train schedules, passengers can visit Southern Railway’s official website or follow their social media channels on Twitter and Facebook. As the situation with IndiGo flights continues to evolve, Southern Railway’s proactive approach ensures that travellers from Bengaluru and other southern hubs remain connected to key destinations across India without undue stress or delay.
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