Published on
January 15, 2026
Southern Railway has introduced a comprehensive network of special train services to manage the significant surge in passengers during the Makaravilakku festival. With millions of devotees traveling to Sabarimala for one of the largest religious events in southern India, the railway is operating 336 additional special trains to reduce congestion and provide more travel options. This extensive service aims to ensure smoother, safer, and more comfortable journeys for pilgrims, easing the pressure on regular services while prioritizing the safety and convenience of all travelers during the busy pilgrimage season.
Focus on Managing Peak Rush
The Makaravilakku season is one of the busiest travel periods in southern India, with pilgrims arriving from multiple states. To effectively manage this surge, Southern Railway has scheduled 336 special train services exclusively in connection with the Sabarimala pilgrimage. These trains are designed to reduce overcrowding, improve connectivity, and offer pilgrims more flexibility in planning their journeys.
The special services are spread across key routes and divisions, ensuring better coverage and smoother passenger movement. By supplementing existing services, the railway aims to minimize delays and provide a more organized travel experience during the festival days.
Major Special Train Services
A prominent addition to the special services is Train No. 06065 Kollam–Kakinada Town Express Special. This train will depart from Kollam Junction at 3:30 a.m. on Thursday, January 15, 2026, and reach Kakinada Town by 12 noon the following day. Along its route, it will halt at important stations such as Kayamkulam Junction, Chengannur, Thiruvalla, Changanassery, Kottayam, Ernakulam Town, Aluva, and Thrissur, offering convenient boarding options for pilgrims from various regions.
For the return leg, Train No. 06066 Kakinada Town–Kollam Express Special will leave Kakinada Town at 6:28 p.m. on Friday, January 16, and arrive at Kollam Junction at 10:30 p.m. on Saturday. This return service is expected to play a key role in clearing post-festival passenger congestion.
Another important service is Train No. 06067 Thiruvananthapuram Central–Charlapalli Express Special. This train will depart Thiruvananthapuram Central at 4:10 a.m. on Thursday, January 15, and reach Charlapalli by 3:00 p.m. on Friday. The train will stop at major stations including Kollam Junction, Chengannur, Thiruvalla, Changanassery, Kottayam, Ernakulam Town, Aluva, and Thrissur, ensuring wide accessibility for pilgrims.
The corresponding return service, Train No. 06068 Charlapalli–Thiruvananthapuram Central Express Special, will depart Charlapalli at 9:45 p.m. on Friday, January 16, and arrive at Thiruvananthapuram Central by 8:00 a.m. on Sunday.
Post-Festival Connectivity
Even after the Makaravilakku celebrations conclude, Southern Railway has ensured continued support for returning pilgrims. Around 20 train services will stop at Chengannur, a crucial railhead for Sabarimala-bound travelers. Several trains, including 07114, 06065, 06067, 06120, and 06548, have been officially notified as Makaravilakku special trains to facilitate the smooth dispersal of passengers.
Chengannur’s role as a major transit point makes these services particularly important, as they help distribute passenger traffic efficiently and reduce pressure on nearby stations.
Ensuring Comfort and Safety
The large-scale deployment of special trains reflects Southern Railway’s commitment to passenger welfare during one of the region’s most significant religious events. By carefully planning train schedules, increasing halt stations, and offering additional services, the railway aims to make the pilgrimage journey less strenuous for devotees.
Southern Railway has launched 336 special train services to manage the surge in passengers during the Makaravilakku festival, ensuring smoother, safer, and more comfortable travel for the millions of pilgrims heading to Sabarimala.
These arrangements are expected to significantly ease travel-related challenges during the festival, allowing pilgrims to focus on their spiritual journey rather than logistical concerns. With improved connectivity, better crowd management, and enhanced service frequency, Southern Railway’s Makaravilakku travel plan stands as a major effort to support millions of devotees during this sacred season.
