Bengaluru Gets 18 Onam Special Trains Connecting Kerala And Beyond
Thiruvananthapuram is gearing up for one of the busiest travel seasons of the year, with the Railways introducing 46 special train services to accommodate the surge in passenger demand during Onam. The move comes as part of efforts to ensure seamless connectivity across Kerala and neighbouring states during the festival period.
According to officials, the additional services will link Kerala’s capital and other key stations with major southern destinations including Chennai, Bengaluru and Mangalore. The largest share of these services will connect Thiruvananthapuram and Kochuveli with Bengaluru, with 18 trains scheduled in total. Six services will run between Kollam and Chennai,while Mangalore will see 22 services to and from Kochuveli and Kollam combined.The expanded schedule is aimed at reducing overcrowding and ensuring that people travelling to celebrate Onam with their families can do so without the stress of ticket shortages or last-minute cancellations. The decision follows detailed demand forecasting and consultations between regional railway divisions, reflecting the high priority placed on seasonal passenger convenience.
Officials have noted that special requests have also been made for services connecting Kerala to Mumbai, Hyderabad and Delhi, given the large number of Malayali families residing outside the state. While these requests are still under consideration, the core Onam plan already marks one of the most significant seasonal boosts to rail capacity in recent years.The announcement is also aligned with the Railways’ commitment to promoting more sustainable modes of travel. Train services are considered a lower-carbon alternative compared to road or air travel, offering the potential to significantly reduce emissions during mass movement periods. With nearly 46,000 additional seats made available through these Onam specials, the environmental benefits are expected to be substantial if passenger uptake is high.
Industry experts point out that the timing of these services will be crucial in managing peak travel days. The schedules have been designed to ensure departures and arrivals align with major Onam festivities, including family gatherings and temple events, while return journeys cater to working professionals resuming duties after the holidays.With bookings for these services already open, passengers are being urged to secure tickets early, as demand traditionally spikes in the days leading up to the festival. Railway authorities have also assured that operational teams will be on high alert to address crowd management, safety and punctuality throughout the Onam period.While the Onam specials are primarily a logistical measure, they also carry symbolic weight reinforcing the Railways’ role in connecting communities during culturally significant occasions. For many, these trains will not just be a mode of transport, but a lifeline to traditions, memories and reunions that define Kerala’s most celebrated festival.
