Chennai: To accommodate the heavy rush of passengers during the Vishu festival, Southern Railway has announced special train services between Chennai and Kerala's Thiruvananthapuram North and Kollam stations.
Chennai Egmore - Thiruvananthapuram North Special
A special train (06115) will depart from Chennai Egmore on April 10 at 11.55 pm, reaching Thiruvananthapuram North at 6 pm the following day. For the return journey, train 06116 will leave Thiruvananthapuram North on April 15 at 3.45 pm, arriving in Chennai at 11.45 am the next morning.
- Coach composition: Four 3-tier AC coaches, 10 sleeper coaches and four general coaches.
- Key stops: Perambur, Arakkonam, Katpadi, Jolarpettai, Salem, Erode, Tiruppur, Podanur, Palakkad, Thrissur, Aluva, Ernakulam Town, Kottayam, Changanassery, Tiruvalla, Chengannur, Mavelikara, Kayamkulam and Kollam.
Chennai Central - Kollam AC Special
A special all-AC service has been sanctioned for April 15. Train 06119 will depart Chennai Central at 3.10 pm, reaching Kollam at 6.55 am the next day. The return service (06120) will leave Kollam on April 16 at 10.40 am, arriving at Chennai Central at 3.30 am the following morning.
- Coach composition: 16 3-tier AC Economy coaches.
- Stops: Similar to the Thiruvananthapuram service, including major stations like Palakkad, Thrissur and Ernakulam Town.
Tirunelveli - Chennai Egmore Special
In addition, a special train (06070) will run from Tirunelveli to Chennai Egmore on April 9, departing at 11.40 pm. The return service (06069) will leave Egmore on April 10 at 12.30 pm.
The announcement comes following reports on the severe travel crunch and the exorbitant fares charged by private bus operators during the holiday season. These special trains provide a more affordable and reliable alternative for commuters heading home for the festivities.