India Launches Special Train Services to Enhance Travel Experience for Devotees Heading to Sabarimala During the Pilgrimage Season

Published on December 3, 2025

In a significant move to enhance the travel experience for millions of devotees, India has introduced exclusive special train services to Sabarimala during the pilgrimage season. With the growing number of pilgrims every year, these specially curated services are designed to ensure seamless and comfortable travel, addressing the challenges of overcrowded transportation systems. By offering more direct and convenient routes, these trains will not only reduce travel time but also provide much-needed accessibility, ensuring that devotees can focus on their spiritual journey without the added stress of travel logistics.

Southern Railway Launches Special Train Services for Sabarimala Pilgrims

To meet the growing demand for transportation during the Sabarimala pilgrimage season, Southern Railway has unveiled special weekly train services between Mangaluru Junction and Thiruvananthapuram North. These services, operating from December 2025 to January 2026, aim to provide pilgrims with enhanced travel options and smooth connectivity to the renowned pilgrimage site in Kerala.

Mangaluru to Thiruvananthapuram North Special Train Services

Starting December 7, 2025, Train No. 06041 will operate every Sunday at 6 pm from Mangaluru Junction, offering a direct connection to Thiruvananthapuram North. The train will complete its journey at 6:30 am the following day, ensuring that pilgrims arrive refreshed and ready for the Sabarimala pilgrimage. This service will run weekly through January 18, 2026, totaling seven services during this period.

The return journey, Train No. 06042, will operate on Mondays, from December 8, 2025, until January 19, 2026. The train will depart from Thiruvananthapuram North at 8:30 am and will arrive at Mangaluru Junction by 8:30 pm on the same day. This return service will also run seven times during the stated period.

Key Stations En Route

These special trains will stop at several important stations along the route, providing convenient access for pilgrims traveling from various regions in Kerala and Karnataka. The stations include Kasaragod, Kanhangad, Payyanur, Kannur, Thalassery, Vadakara, Kozhikode, Tirur, Shoranur, Thrissur, Aluva, Ernakulam Town, Kottayam, Changanassery, Tiruvalla, Chengannur, Kayamkulam, and Kollam. These stops are strategically located to ensure easy access for passengers across the southern part of India.

Train Composition for Pilgrims

In anticipation of high passenger volumes during the Sabarimala pilgrimage season, the special trains have been equipped with adequate facilities to accommodate the large number of devotees. Each train will include one AC 2-tier coach, three AC 3-tier coaches, 15 sleeper coaches, and two second-class coaches. In addition, the second-class coaches will be divyang-friendly, making them accessible for passengers with disabilities, ensuring a comfortable journey for all.

South Central Railway Adds Special Trains for Kollam

In addition to the Southern Railway services, South Central Railway has introduced several special trains to Kollam Junction, catering to pilgrims traveling from other regions. The new services include:

• Train No. 07117 from Sirpur Kaghaznagar to Kollam Junction, scheduled for Saturday, December 13, 2025.
• Train No. 07119 will run twice, on Wednesdays, December 17 and December 31, 2025, from Charlapalli to Kollam Junction.
• Train No. 07121 will operate on Saturday, December 20, 2025.
• Train No. 07123 will run from Hazur Sahib Nanded to Kollam Junction on Wednesday, December 24, 2025.

For the return journey, the following special trains will operate from Kollam Junction to Charlapalli:

• Train No. 07118 on Monday, December 15, 2025.
• Train No. 07120 twice, on Fridays, December 19, 2025, and January 2, 2026.
• Train No. 07122 on Monday, December 22, 2025.
• Train No. 07124 on Friday, December 26, 2025.

These services are designed to ensure smooth and timely travel for pilgrims, particularly during the peak Sabarimala season.

Ticket Booking Information

Ticket bookings for these special trains will commence on Wednesday, December 3, 2025. With these added services, Southern Railway and South Central Railway are enhancing the travel experience for pilgrims, making it easier for them to attend the Sabarimala pilgrimage. Pilgrims are encouraged to book tickets early to secure their travel arrangements during the busy holiday season.

India has introduced exclusive special train services to Sabarimala this pilgrimage season to provide seamless and comfortable travel for millions of devotees. These dedicated services aim to reduce travel time, enhance accessibility, and ensure a stress-free journey for pilgrims.

With these newly introduced special train services, Southern Railway and South Central Railway are ensuring that the Sabarimala pilgrimage season is well-supported by reliable transportation options. These efforts to enhance travel connectivity reflect the commitment of the Indian Railways to provide seamless, efficient, and comfortable travel for thousands of pilgrims. As devotees prepare for their sacred journey, these special trains offer both convenience and comfort, ensuring that the religious experience remains focused on devotion and spirituality.