A Major Relief for Festival Commuters
Onam, the most significant festival in Kerala, sees a massive influx of people travelling to their hometowns to celebrate with family. This annual surge puts immense pressure on the regular train services, with tickets often getting sold out months in advance.
The announcement of more than 100 special services is a major relief for students, professionals, and families based in other states. These additional trains are designed to increase seat availability, ease the travel crunch, and provide a more comfortable journey for thousands of passengers. The main day of Onam, Thiruvonam, falls on August 26, 2026, with the primary festival period being between August 25 and 28.
First Routes and Schedules Announced
While the full list of over 100 trains is expected to be released progressively, Southern Railway has already announced the first few services, focusing on high-demand routes. Two key pairs of special trains have been notified: one connecting Mangaluru Central and Chennai Egmore, and another between Thiruvananthapuram Central and Tambaram. The Mangaluru-Chennai Egmore special (Train No. 06126) will run every Monday from July 13 to August 31. In the return direction, the Chennai Egmore-Mangaluru special (Train No. 06125) will operate every Tuesday from July 14 to September 1. Additionally, special services have been announced from Chennai to Kollam for several dates in July, August, and September.
Connecting Major Cities to Kerala
The special trains are expected to connect several major metropolitan hubs with various destinations across Kerala. The initial announcements have prioritized services from cities with a large number of Keralites, such as Bengaluru, Chennai, and Mangaluru. Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has indicated that services from Hyderabad are also a priority. Passengers have been particularly vocal about the need for more services on routes like Bengaluru-Kozhikode and Thiruvananthapuram-Chennai, where regular train tickets for the festival period are already on long waitlists. The railways aim to address these high-demand sectors to ensure smoother travel for as many people as possible.
How to Book and Plan Your Travel
Advance reservations for some of the newly announced special trains have already begun. For instance, booking for the Thiruvananthapuram-Tambaram specials opened on the morning of July 9, 2026. Travellers are advised to monitor the official IRCTC website and app, as well as announcements from Southern Railway, for updates on new train schedules and booking commencement dates. Given the high demand, it is crucial to book tickets as soon as reservations open. Since special trains often do not have a pantry car, it's also a good idea to plan for meals during the journey. Passengers should also note the composition of these trains, which typically include a mix of AC two-tier, AC three-tier, sleeper, and general second-class coaches.
Key Tips for a Smooth Journey
Securing a ticket is the first step, but a smooth travel experience requires some planning. First, double-check the train number, departure time, and platform details, as special services can sometimes have last-minute adjustments. For students and families travelling with luggage, be mindful of the luggage allowance rules to avoid any issues. Always book through official channels like the IRCTC website or authorized agents to prevent fraud. With the festival rush, expect stations to be crowded, so arrive well in advance of your scheduled departure. Keep an eye on your train’s running status using railway apps for real-time information. Planning ahead is the best way to ensure your journey home for Onam is as joyful as the festival itself.
