Southern Railway has announced the introduction of weekly special trains connecting Coimbatore and Dhanbad to accommodate the anticipated surge in passengers during the forthcoming festive season. Officials confirmed that the move is aimed at ensuring smooth long-distance travel while easing congestion across regular routes.
According to the schedule released by the Salem railway division, the Coimbatore–Dhanbad weekly special will commence on 5 September and continue until 28 November. The train will depart from Coimbatore every Friday morning and reach Dhanbad on Sunday morning, offering relief to passengers travelling northwards during the high-demand season. In the return direction, the Dhanbad–Coimbatore service will run every Monday between 8 September and 1 December, ensuring passengers have reliable options in both directions. The special service will halt at major junctions including Tirupur, Erode, Salem, Jolarpet, Katpadi, Perambur, Gudur, Nellore, Ongole and Vijayawada, creating better regional connectivity across multiple states. Railway officials highlighted that the route has been strategically planned to link industrial, cultural and business centres, thereby meeting both personal and commercial travel needs.
Officials from Southern Railway stated that such seasonal train operations are part of the national transporter’s broader approach to balancing rising demand with sustainable transport solutions. With India pushing towards net-zero carbon commitments, rail remains the most efficient and eco-friendly mode of long-distance travel, consuming less energy and generating lower emissions compared to road and air transport. Passenger associations have welcomed the move, stressing that it will provide significant relief to travellers who otherwise face long waiting lists during festive seasons. Business stakeholders have also noted the importance of additional trains in facilitating smoother cargo and small consignments movement, a common practice on long-haul trains linking northern and southern regions.
The decision also underscores the growing importance of tier-2 and tier-3 cities like Coimbatore in India’s mobility map. By directly linking such centres with cities in eastern India, the railway service is not only meeting passenger needs but also encouraging regional trade, tourism, and cultural exchange. Experts believe that beyond passenger relief, initiatives like these reaffirm the role of railways in building equitable and sustainable urban mobility solutions. With enhanced services, rail remains positioned as a socially inclusive mode of transport, bridging gaps across geographies and income groups.
The festive trains, though temporary in schedule, may serve as a model for more frequent inter-regional services in the future. Officials have suggested that if passenger demand sustains, the routes may see further additions or extensions in subsequent years. For now, the newly announced Coimbatore–Dhanbad special trains promise to be a vital link during the busiest travel period of the year, combining operational efficiency with the railway’s long-standing role as the backbone of India’s public mobility network.
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