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 — Chennai Egmore to Tirunelveli Superfast Special will depart Chennai Egmore at 11:45 pm on January 30 (Friday) and arrive in Tirunelveli at 11:15 am the next day. In the return direction, Train No. 06002 — Tirunelveli to Tambaram Superfast Special will leave Tirunelveli at 10:35 pm on February 1 (Sunday), reaching Tambaram at 9:30 am the following day.
Another service, Train No. 06003 — Tambaram to Tuticorin Superfast Special, will depart Tambaram at 11:50 pm on January 31 (Saturday), arriving in Tuticorin at 11:00 am the next day. The corresponding return special, Train No. 06004 — Tuticorin to Chennai Beach, is scheduled to leave Tuticorin at 11:55 pm on February 1 (Sunday) and reach Chennai Beach at 11:30 am the following day.
Coach composition for the Tirunelveli–Tambaram service will include 18 AC three‑tier coaches and two luggage‑cum‑brake vans, while the Tuticorin–Chennai Beach special will operate with a mix of AC chair car, sitting chair car, general second class, and disabled‑friendly 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 Railway’s initiative aims to ensure adequate travel arrangements and minimise congestion on regular services.