If you are planning a summer getaway to Madurai, Tiruchirappalli, or any destination along the Chennai–Kanniyakumari route, here’s some good news. To handle the annual holiday rush, Southern Railway has
introduced a special superfast train service between Chennai and Kanniyakumari, offering travellers extra seats and more convenient travel options during the peak summer vacation season.
The move comes as regular trains on this busy route often run at full capacity during school vacations, summer holidays, and pilgrimage season.
The special service—Train No. 06045/06046 Chennai Egmore–Kanniyakumari–Chennai Egmore Superfast Special—will run on demand to clear extra passenger rush.
Chennai Egmore To Kanniyakumari Train
The train will depart from Chennai Egmore Railway Station at 11:50 PM on:
- May 15
- May 22
- May 29
- June 5, 2026 (Fridays)
It will arrive in Kanniyakumari at 1:00 PM the next day.
Kanniyakumari To Chennai Egmore Train
After spending a weekend in Kanniyakumari, passengers can conveniently plan their return journey, as the special train departs from Kanniyakumari at 11:25 PM on:
- May 17
- May 24
- May 31
- June 7, 2026 (Sundays)
Arrival at Chennai Egmore is scheduled for 11:30 AM the next day.
Key Stoppages On The Route
The special train will halt at major stations, including:
- Villupuram
- Ariyalur
- Tiruchirappalli
- Srirangam
- Madurai
- Tirunelveli
These stops will improve connectivity not just for city travellers but also for passengers from smaller towns and rural districts. Passengers can choose from multiple travel classes:
- 2 AC Two-Tier coaches
- 2 AC Three-Tier coaches
- 10 Sleeper Class coaches
- 3 General Second Class coaches
- 2 Divyangjan-friendly Second Class coaches
The Chennai–Kanniyakumari corridor is one of Tamil Nadu’s most important rail routes, connecting the state’s northern urban hubs with southern coastal and temple towns.
With summer travel demand soaring, these special trains are expected to ease overcrowding, reduce waitlists, and make holiday travel smoother—especially for families, students, and pilgrims heading south.
If Kanniyakumari is on your summer travel list, this may be the perfect time to book your seat.
To handle the surge in summer travel, Indian Railways is rolling out special trains across the country for Summer 2026. Between April 15 and July 15, 2026, the Railways have approved 908 summer special trains, which together will operate 18,262 trips, aimed at easing passenger rush and ensuring smoother, more comfortable travel during the peak holiday season.
