Southern Railway has announced the operation of special train services to manage the expected surge in passenger traffic during the Thai Poosam festival, official sources said.
The additional services will run on key routes connecting southern districts with Chennai and Tuticorin to help devotees and travellers reach their destinations comfortably during the celebration period.
According to the press release, Train No. 06001 ā Chennai Egmore to Tirunelveli Superfast Special will depart Chennai Egmore at 11:45āÆpm on January 30 (Friday) and arrive in Tirunelveli at 11:15āÆam the next day. In the return direction, Train No. 06002 ā Tirunelveli to Tambaram Superfast Special will leave Tirunelveli at 10:35āÆpm on February 1 (Sunday), reaching Tambaram at 9:30āÆam the following day.
Another service, Train No. 06003 ā Tambaram to Tuticorin Superfast Special, will depart Tambaram at 11:50āÆpm on January 31 (Saturday), arriving in Tuticorin at 11:00āÆam the next day. The corresponding return special, Train No. 06004 ā Tuticorin to Chennai Beach, is scheduled to leave Tuticorin at 11:55āÆpm on February 1 (Sunday) and reach Chennai Beach at 11:30āÆam the following day.
Coach composition for the TirunelveliāTambaram service will include 18 AC threeātier coaches and two luggageācumābrake vans, while the TuticorināChennai Beach special will operate with a mix of AC chair car, sitting chair car, general second class, and disabledāfriendly second class coaches.
The move comes as millions of passengers are expected to travel during the Thai Poosam festival, one of the important religious occasions in Tamil Nadu and neighbouring regions. Southern Railwayās initiative aims to ensure adequate travel arrangements and minimise congestion on regular services.