As the festive season of Onam approaches, the Southern Railway zone has introduced a series of special trains from Mangaluru to key destinations in Kerala to cater to the seasonal spike in passenger demand. With increased connectivity to Thiruvananthapuram and Kollam, these services are expected to offer critical relief to passengers seeking timely and comfortable travel during one of Kerala’s most celebrated cultural festivals.
According to senior officials from the railway division, a total of 16 bi-weekly special express trains will operate between Mangaluru Junction and Thiruvananthapuram North, beginning August 21 and continuing through mid-September. Scheduled to depart Mangaluru Junction at 7.30 p.m. on Thursdays and Saturdays, the trains will reach Thiruvananthapuram North by 8 a.m. the following day. The return journeys will commence a day later from Thiruvananthapuram North at 5.15 p.m., ensuring balanced connectivity across both directions. In addition, three special express trains will run between Mangaluru Junction and Kollam Junction on August 25, September 1, and 8, departing Mangaluru at 9.15 p.m. and arriving in Kollam by 10.20 a.m. the next morning. The corresponding return services will depart from Kollam Junction at 5.10 p.m. the following day and reach Mangaluru Junction by 5.30 a.m.
Officials confirmed that all trains are configured to meet the varying needs of Onam travellers. The rake composition includes one second-tier AC coach, two third-tier AC coaches, 17 sleeper class coaches, and two luggage-cum-brake vans—indicating a strong emphasis on affordability and capacity expansion. Given the rise in seasonal traffic and inter-state migration patterns between Karnataka and Kerala, such services are crucial for equitable and sustainable public transport access. Onam, which sees widespread participation from communities across age, caste, and class divisions, often results in overbooked trains and inflated ticket rates. The introduction of special trains is a proactive step that not only supports cultural mobility but also aligns with inclusive urban transport planning—ensuring that no citizen is left behind in their festive journeys.
Transport experts have applauded the move as a model of demand-responsive railway operations, especially given the predictable nature of Onam’s annual travel surge. However, they also note that longer-term planning and sustainable rolling stock strategies are needed to avoid dependency on ad-hoc festive additions each year. With ticket reservations for these special services now open, authorities urge passengers to book early and travel responsibly. The move also demonstrates how timely coordination between railway zones and state-level transport planning can offer a seamless travel experience rooted in accessibility and civic responsiveness.
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