Southern Railway has rolled out a wide network of special festive trains that will support the massive rise in travel demand during the Sabarimala pilgrimage season and the Christmas–New Year holidays. These trains aim to offer smooth travel, better comfort, and stronger connectivity between iconic pilgrimage hubs and major tourist destinations across South India. With thousands of travelers planning seasonal trips, these new services will ease congestion and create a stress-free holiday travel experience.
The services cover important routes linking Hubbali, Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, and Bengaluru. These routes support pilgrims heading to Sabarimala and tourists exploring Kerala’s beaches, hill towns, and cultural centres. The initiative helps manage peak-season rush and ensures travelers reach their destinations without delays or overcrowding.
Hubbali to Thiruvananthapuram Special Begins Festive Operations
The Hubbali–Thiruvananthapuram North Special (07361) begins its journey on December 23 at 6:55 AM. The service offers an essential long-distance connection for travelers from Karnataka heading toward Kerala. It reaches Thiruvananthapuram on December 24 at 10:30 AM after covering major cities and key pilgrimage points along the route.
The train stops at Haveri, Davanagere, Tumkuru, Bengaluru, Salem, Erode, Tirupur, Palakkad, Thrissur, Aluva, Ernakulam Town, Kottayam, and several stations leading up to Kollam and Varkala. Pilgrims traveling to Sabarimala gain a comfortable and direct option that saves time and reduces travel complications.
This route also supports coastal tourism. Travelers heading to Kerala’s backwaters and beaches benefit from better comfort and smoother connectivity during one of the busiest travel periods of the year.
Return Journey from Thiruvananthapuram to Bengaluru Strengthens Holiday Travel
The Thiruvananthapuram–SMVT Bengaluru Special (07362) leaves Kerala on December 24 at noon and reaches Bengaluru on December 25 at 5:50 AM. The service offers a well-timed option for travelers returning home after the pilgrimage or visiting family during the holidays.
This train has a diverse set of coaches, including second AC, third AC, sleeper coaches, and general coaches. The variety gives passengers flexibility based on comfort and budget. The schedule allows travelers to rest overnight and reach Bengaluru refreshed for onward trips or year-end celebrations.
Bengaluru to Kollam Service Supports Kerala Tourism Surge
Southern Railway will operate another key festive service, the SMVT Bengaluru–Kollam Special (06561), on December 27. It departs Bengaluru at 3:00 PM and reaches Kollam at 7:25 AM the following morning. Travelers heading to Kerala for year-end vacations gain a direct option that avoids long wait times and crowded bus routes.
The train stops at KR Puram, Bangarapet, Salem, Erode, Tirupur, Palakkad, Thrissur, Aluva, Ernakulam Town, Kottayam, and several other stations. These stops give tourists easy access to Kerala’s well-known beaches, backwater towns, and cultural centres. Kollam’s growing popularity as a tourist spot, especially with attractions like the Thangassery Lighthouse and Ashtamudi Lake, makes this service valuable for the holiday season.
Kollam to Hubbali Train Offers Smooth End-of-Season Connectivity
On December 28, the Kollam–Hubbali Special (06562) closes the festive service cycle. It departs at 10:40 AM and reaches Hubbali at 10:30 AM on December 29. This connection allows travelers from Kerala to return to northern Karnataka without navigating multiple transfers.
This route supports year-end travel for workers, students, and families returning from holiday celebrations or pilgrimage visits. It ensures that passengers complete their journeys comfortably during one of the busiest travel windows of the year.
Advance Booking Encouraged for a Hassle-Free Experience
Southern Railway encourages passengers to reserve tickets early due to high festive demand. Special trains often fill quickly, especially during Sabarimala season and the Christmas–New Year rush. Booking in advance helps travelers avoid uncertainty and secure preferred seats.
Travelers should arrive at stations ahead of departure to avoid holiday crowds. Families or groups should book seats together for a smoother journey. Passengers planning long trips should carry essential items and prepare for increased station activity during peak travel days.
Enhanced Connectivity Strengthens Pilgrimage and Tourism Growth
These special trains highlight Southern Railway’s efforts to support India’s growing pilgrimage and tourism sectors. Millions travel to Sabarimala each year. Kerala’s beaches, temples, churches, and wildlife destinations attract tourists during the winter season. Bengaluru and Hubbali remain strong entry points for travelers heading toward cultural and coastal routes.
The new services reduce road congestion, shorten travel stress, and offer an affordable option for holiday movement. They also support local economies along the route by bringing more travelers to regional stations.
A Festive Travel Boost for South India
Southern Railway’s festive special trains create stronger connectivity during the busiest period of the year. With well-planned schedules, extended routes, and varied coach options, the network offers passengers a more reliable holiday travel experience.
Pilgrims and tourists gain easier access to major destinations. Families enjoy smoother connectivity for seasonal travel. The services mark an important step in improving long-distance travel comfort across South India during key festive months.
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