Every year, as Makara Sankranti approaches, railway stations across Karnataka begin to feel different. Platforms grow louder, waiting halls fill faster, and ticket counters see longer queues.
Families head
back to their hometowns, students rush to catch the last available seat, and last-minute travellers hope for a miracle. This year, that miracle comes in the form of special trains.
To manage the festive rush and ease travel for thousands of passengers, South Western Railway has announced special express services between Yeshwantpur and Talaguppa, along with an extension of the Bengaluru–Bidar special train. For travellers in Shivamogga, Sagara, Tumakuru and surrounding regions, this move brings timely relief just when it is needed most.
Special trains for the Sankranti rush
Recognising the spike in passenger demand during the Sankranti holidays, South Western Railway has decided to run two special express trains on select days in January. These services aim to reduce overcrowding on regular trains and give travellers more options during peak travel dates.
The special trains between Yeshwantpur and Talaguppa will operate on January 13, 14, 23 and 24. These dates cover both the festival period and the return rush that follows.
Train schedule at a glance
Here is the complete schedule of the special trains announced for Sankranti travel.
| Train number | Route | Dates of operation | Departure time | Arrival time |
| 06585 | Yeshwantpur to Talaguppa | January 13, January 23 | 10:45 pm | 4:45 am next day |
| 06586 / 06588 | Talaguppa to Yeshwantpur | January 14, January 24 | 10:00 am | 5:15 pm |
This night and day combination gives travellers flexibility, whether they prefer overnight journeys or daytime travel.
Stations that will benefit along the way
The special trains will not just serve the starting and ending points. They will stop at several important stations en-route, benefiting passengers across central and coastal Karnataka.
The halts include Tumakuru, Tiptur, Arasikere, Birur, Tarikere, Bhadravathi, Shivamogga Town, Anandapuram and Sagara Jambagaru.
For residents of these towns, festival travel often means depending on limited train options or crowded buses. These additional stops make the special service more accessible to a wider group of travellers.
Bengaluru–Bidar special train gets extended
Alongside the Talaguppa specials, South Western Railway has also announced an extension of the special express service between SMVT Bengaluru and Bidar.
To handle the festive rush, this bi-weekly service will now run for a longer period. The train from Bengaluru to Bidar will operate every Friday and Sunday from January 2 to February 27. The return service from Bidar to Bengaluru will run every Saturday and Monday from January 3 to February 28.
In total, this extension will cover 17 trips, giving travellers consistent options during the busy festival and post-festival period. There will be no change in timings, halts or coach composition, making it easy for regular passengers to plan their journeys.
Temporary change for early January travellers
Passengers travelling in the first week of January should take note of a small but important change.
Due to maintenance work at SMVT Bengaluru, the special train from Bidar on January 3 will terminate at Yelahanka instead of SMVT. Similarly, the train running from Bengaluru to Bidar on January 4 will also start from Yelahanka.
Railway officials have advised passengers to plan their onward travel accordingly on these two days to avoid last-minute confusion.
More trains, less stress for travellers
Festival seasons often test the limits of the railway network. But special services like this show how planning can ease the burden on both passengers and staff.
For those heading home to celebrate Sankranti, these additional trains offer more than just extra seats. They offer peace of mind. Fewer crowds, better chances of confirmed tickets, and journeys that feel a little less rushed. In the middle of festival chaos, that small comfort can make all the difference.
