To address the expected surge in pilgrimage and festival travel during Ashadha Ekadashi this July, the Indian Railways has announced a set of special train services connecting important religious and regional destinations across Maharashtra and Telangana. South Central Railway (SCR) confirmed the move as part of a broader initiative to improve connectivity during the high-demand period of the Chaturmas spiritual season, which begins with Ashadha Ekadashi.
As per officials, three special trains will be operated on July 4 and 5, 2025, in addition to extensions of two existing services to manage the high passenger load. The announcement is particularly timely given the popularity of this Hindu observance, during which thousands of devotees undertake intercity travel to offer prayers and participate in religious gatherings dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The services announced include a Nanded–Adilabad train, a Jalna–Akola train, and a return service between Jalna and Nagarsol. These routes have been designed keeping in mind the large pilgrim turnout, local demand for overnight connectivity, and access to key temple towns and towns with religious congregations.
The first of the three services—Train No. 07010—will operate between Nanded in Maharashtra and Adilabad in Telangana. Scheduled to depart on Friday, July 4, at 11.30 am, the train is expected to reach Adilabad at 4.30 am the following day. Key intermediate stations will include Mudkhed, Bhokar, Himayatnagar, Sahasrakund, Bodhadi Bujrug, and Kinwat. With facilities such as AC II and III Tier, Sleeper, and General Second Class coaches, the train is being positioned as a multi-segment service catering to pilgrims across income groups. Simultaneously, the second service—Train No. 07011—will depart from Jalna at 9.00 pm on the same day and reach Akola by 5.30 am. With halts at stations like Partur, Selu, Manwat Road, Parbhani, Purna, Basmat, Hingoli, and Washim, the train is expected to benefit devotees heading to spiritual sites in central Maharashtra. Officials confirmed that its return journey under Train No. 07012 will take place on July 5, starting at 11.30 am from Jalna and concluding at Nagarsol by 3.20 pm, with stops at Aurangabad, Lasur, and Rotegaon.
These services are significant in the context of India’s cultural and religious calendar. Ashadha Ekadashi—also referred to as Devshayani Ekadashi or Hari Shayani Ekadashi—is observed as the day when Lord Vishnu enters a symbolic deep sleep. The day also marks the beginning of the Chaturmas period, a four-month-long phase of heightened spiritual reflection and ritual observance. It is considered especially auspicious for pilgrimages to Vishnu temples and other holy sites. The Indian Railways, recognising the socio-cultural relevance of the period, has a history of introducing festival-specific trains. An official from the South Central Railway zone explained, “These special services are vital to ensure that people travelling for spiritual or cultural reasons have access to safe, timely, and comfortable transport. We align these schedules closely with regional requirements and station-level demand.”
In addition to the one-time special trains, the SCR has also extended the operational period of two long-distance festival services. Train No. 07131, which runs between Tirupati and Narsapur, will now operate every Sunday until March 3, 2026. Its counterpart, Train No. 07132 on the Narsapur–Tirupati route, will run every Monday from August 8, 2025, to March 30, 2026. These extensions are a response to the ongoing demand for religious tourism routes, particularly connecting southern India’s prominent temple towns. Transport analysts suggest that such temporary services, when well-timed and well-communicated, not only ease congestion but also support regional economies. “Pilgrimage travel is a substantial seasonal driver of public transport demand in India. Timely rail interventions help avoid overloading regular services and provide essential access for rural and semi-urban travellers,” noted a transport policy researcher.
From a sustainability perspective, special trains also present an eco-friendlier alternative to mass road transport or private vehicle usage, particularly during high-mobility events. With carbon emissions from automobiles and buses significantly higher per capita compared to rail, such initiatives fit well into India’s larger agenda of lowering transport emissions while improving accessibility. Moreover, these services offer gender-inclusive and socially equitable benefits, especially for senior citizens, women travelling solo, and people from rural communities who rely on public transport infrastructure during high-demand seasons. Ensuring additional trains not only upholds their right to mobility but also strengthens the cultural fabric by facilitating their participation in shared traditions.
For cities like Nanded, Jalna, and Adilabad, which often witness seasonal spikes in footfall due to religious gatherings, such services also support local infrastructure, reduce unscheduled congestion, and enable better crowd management. As the Chaturmas season unfolds, further measures—including special bus services and metro schedules—may be introduced by state transport bodies in coordination with the Railways. With the Ashadha Ekadashi festival marking both a religious milestone and a logistical challenge, Indian Railways’ proactive engagement is being seen as a crucial step in supporting inclusive, sustainable, and accessible public mobility. Passengers are advised to check with official railway sources and station authorities for ticket availability, boarding details, and any updates in real-time.
As faith and movement intersect across the railway lines of Maharashtra and Telangana, the Railways’ commitment to connecting lives and traditions remains firmly on track.
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