Onam 2026: Mark Your Calendars
Onam, Kerala's most significant festival, is a time for homecoming and celebration. In 2026, the main festival day, Thiruvonam, falls on Wednesday, August 26. The festivities, however, span ten days, beginning on August 16. This period sees a massive
surge in travel from major cities like Bengaluru, Chennai, Mumbai, and Delhi towards Kerala, making advance planning not just a suggestion, but a necessity. Every year, regular train services are booked out months in advance, leading to long waitlists and travel anxiety for many. This year, proactive measures from the Railways aim to change that narrative.
Over 100 Special Trains Announced
In a significant move to manage the festive demand, Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has announced that Indian Railways will operate over 100 special train services for Onam. This initiative is designed to provide additional capacity and ensure that more people can travel home comfortably and safely. The Southern Railway has confirmed this plan, with services expected to connect Kerala with major hubs including Bengaluru, Chennai, and Hyderabad. While the full schedule is being released in phases, the announcement itself is a major relief for those planning their trips.
First Services Unveiled: Routes and Schedules
The Southern Railway has already started notifying specific services. The first announcements include weekly special trains connecting Mangaluru and Chennai, as well as Thiruvananthapuram and Tambaram. For instance, Train No. 06126 will run from Mangaluru Central to Chennai Egmore on Mondays between July 13 and August 31, while the return service (Train No. 06125) will operate on Tuesdays. Another key route is the Thiruvananthapuram-Tambaram weekly special (Train No. 06110), scheduled to run on Wednesdays in August and early September. Bookings for some of these initial trains have already opened as of July 9, 2026, signalling that travellers must act fast.
A Smart Guide to Booking Your Tickets
Securing a ticket during the festival rush requires strategy. With bookings for special trains opening, it's crucial to be prepared. The golden rule is to book as soon as reservations open, which is typically 120 days in advance for regular trains but can be much shorter for special services. Use the IRCTC website or the official mobile app for the fastest access. A top tip is to create a 'Master List' on your IRCTC profile beforehand. This feature allows you to save the details of all passengers (name, age, ID proof) in advance, saving precious minutes during the booking frenzy. Also, ensure you have a fast payment method ready, like a UPI app or a pre-funded IRCTC wallet.
Essential Tips for Family Travel
Travelling with family, especially with children and elderly members, requires extra planning. When booking, try to select lower berths for senior citizens. While booking for a group, the IRCTC algorithm generally tries to assign berths in the same coach, but booking early increases your chances. Pack a small bag with essentials like medicines, snacks, and water to keep handy. While many special trains may not have a pantry car, you can use IRCTC's e-catering service, 'Food on Track', to order meals from restaurants at major stations along your route.
Budget-Friendly Advice for Students
For students travelling on a budget, every rupee counts. Look for trains that may have more availability in Sleeper Class or General Second Class coaches, which are more economical. Pack light to avoid hassles with luggage. While student concessions are generally not applicable on special trains, booking a Tatkal ticket can be a last-resort option if you miss the initial booking window. Tatkal bookings open one day before the journey, at 10 AM for AC classes and 11 AM for non-AC classes. Be ready with your details as these tickets sell out in minutes. Sharing travel plans with friends and booking in a group can also be a fun and supportive way to manage the journey home.
