The Big Picture: Over 100 Special Trains
First, the great news. Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has announced that over 100 special train services will be operated to handle the massive rush for Onam. This is a huge relief, as anyone who has tried to book a ticket to Kerala during festival
season knows, regular trains get sold out months in advance. These additional trains are Indian Railways' way of managing the surge and ensuring more people can celebrate with their families. The goal is to connect major cities where many Keralites work and study, like Bengaluru, Chennai, and Hyderabad, with destinations across Kerala.
First Routes Announced: What We Know So Far
Southern Railway has started releasing the details, and the first few announcements bring cheer, especially for those in Chennai and Mangaluru. Weekly special trains have been announced between Mangaluru Central and Chennai Egmore (Train No. 06126/06125). Another key route announced is Thiruvananthapuram Central to Tambaram (Train No. 06110/06109). Special services from Chennai to Kollam have also been revealed. These trains will run on specific dates between July and September 2026 to cover the entire festive period. While the initial announcements are a good start, more services connecting other major cities are expected to be announced in the coming days, so keep your eyes peeled.
Booking Starts NOW: Your Action Plan
This is not a drill. For some of these newly announced trains, bookings have already started. For instance, reservations for the Thiruvananthapuram-Tambaram specials opened at 8 am on July 9, 2026. The key takeaway is to act fast. Last-minute announcements are common, and so is the rush to book them. Your best bet is the official IRCTC website or the mobile app. Forget about Tatkal or Premium Tatkal for these; special train bookings work differently. Follow the standard process: log in, enter your source and destination, find the special train (they usually have a '0' as the starting digit), check availability, and proceed to book.
Pro-Tips for a Confirmed Ticket
Getting a confirmed ticket during the Onam rush feels like winning the lottery, but you can improve your odds. First, be ready the moment bookings open. Have your IRCTC login details, passenger list, and payment information saved and ready to go. Speed is your friend. Second, be flexible. If your primary destination is sold out, look for tickets to a nearby major station and plan to cover the last leg of your journey by bus or another train. Third, don't forget the return journey! Book your return ticket at the same time if possible. Finally, keep checking the news and official railway announcements daily, as more trains will be added.
Understanding 'Special' Trains
A quick note on what makes these trains 'special'. The term isn't just about the occasion. It often refers to the fare structure and amenities. Fares for special trains can be higher than on regular mail/express trains. They might be operated as 'Special Fare' trains, where the ticket price is dynamic and increases with demand. Also, many special trains do not have a pantry car, so it's a good idea to pack your own food or use a service to order food on the train for longer journeys. Knowing this helps you manage your budget and expectations for the journey.
