Chennai Launches Special Trains Connecting Southern Districts For Festival Rush
As the festive season approaches, Southern Railway has announced the operation of special trains connecting Chennai to southern districts to manage the surge in passenger demand during Puja and Deepavali celebrations. The initiative aims to provide seamless travel options for commuters while reducing congestion on regular services.
The weekly Nagercoil–Tambaram superfast special will commence from Nagercoil at 11:15 p.m. on Sundays-September 28, October 5, 12, 19, and 26 arriving at Tambaram by 12:30 p.m. the next day. Its return service from Tambaram departs at 3:30 p.m. on the following Mondays and reaches Nagercoil by 5:15 a.m. Stops include Valliyur, Tirunelveli, Kovilpatti, Sattur, Virudhunagar, Madurai, Dindigul, Tiruchi, Thanjavur, Papanasam, Kumbakonam, Mayiladuthurai, Sirkazhi, Chidambaram, Tiruppadiripuliyur, Panruti, Villupuram, Melmaruvathur, and Chengalpattu.
Similarly, the Dr MGR Chennai Central–Sengottai weekly express special will run on Wednesdays-September 24, October 1, 8, 15, and 22 departing at 3:10 p.m. from Chennai Central and reaching Sengottai by 6:30 a.m. Stops on this route include Tenkasi, Ambasamudram, Kallidaikurichi, Tirunelveli, Kovilpatti, Sattur, Virudhunagar, Madurai, Dindigul, Karur, Namakkal, Salem, Jolarpet, Katpadi, and Arakkonam. The return journey leaves Sengottai at 9 p.m. on Thursdays, reaching Chennai Central by 11:30 a.m. the next day.
The Tirunelveli–Chennai Egmore weekly express will depart Tirunelveli at 9:30 p.m. on Thursdays-September 25, October 2, 9, 16, and 23 arriving at Chennai Egmore by 10 a.m. Stops include Kovilpatti, Sattur, Virudhunagar, Aruppukottai, Manamadurai, Sivaganga, Devakottai Road, Karaikkudi, Pudukottai, Tiruchi, Srirangam, Ariyalur, Vriddhachalam, Villupuram, Melmaruvathur, Chengalpatti, and Tambaram. Its return journey leaves Chennai Egmore at 12:30 p.m., arriving at Tirunelveli by 1:30 a.m.
For passengers from Thoothukudi, the Thoothukudi–Chennai Egmore weekly superfast special will depart at 11:15 p.m. on Mondays, reaching Chennai by 10:45 a.m. Stops along the route include Tuti Melur, Kovilpatti, Sattur, Virudhunagar, Madurai, Dindigul, Tiruchi, Srirangam, Ariyalur, Vriddhachalam, Villupuram, Melmaruvathur, Chengalpattu, and Tambaram. Return services will leave Chennai Egmore at 12:30 p.m., reaching Thoothukudi the same day at 11:15 p.m.
Lastly, the Nagercoil–Chennai Central weekly express departs Nagercoil at 9:15 a.m. on Tuesdays—September 30, October 7, 14, 21, and 28 and arrives at Chennai Central by 11:30 p.m. Stops include Valliyur, Nanguneri, Tirunelveli, Kovilpatti, Sattur, Virudhunagar, Madurai, Kodaikanal Road, Dindigul, Karur, Namakkal, Salem, Jolarpet, Katpadi, Arakkonam, and Tiruvallur. The return service leaves Chennai Central at 4:15 a.m. on Wednesdays, reaching Nagercoil at 8:30 p.m.
Officials confirmed that these special trains have been scheduled with minimal overlaps to facilitate efficient crowd management during the festive season. Authorities have also ensured that the trains are equipped with adequate safety and operational measures to enhance commuter convenience.The introduction of these services reflects Chennai’s growing focus on sustainable and efficient rail connectivity, reducing road congestion and offering eco-friendly alternatives for long-distance travel during peak festival periods. Experts note that such proactive scheduling supports regional mobility and ensures equitable access to transportation for citizens across multiple districts.
