South Central Railway Unveils One Hundred and Fifty Special Trains to Facilitate Safe and Comfortable Journeys for Passengers Traveling During Makar Sankranti Festival

Published on January 9, 2026

In response to the growing demand for travel during the Makar Sankranti festival, South Central Railway (SCR) has unveiled one hundred and fifty special trains. This initiative is designed to facilitate safe and comfortable journeys for the millions of passengers traveling across key routes during this peak season. With Makar Sankranti marking one of the busiest travel periods of the year, the special trains aim to ease congestion, manage waitlists, and ensure a hassle-free travel experience. The move comes as part of SCR’s commitment to ensuring that travelers can reach their destinations on time, with more seating options and smoother services, especially for those traveling to family gatherings or pilgrimage centers.

With the Makar Sankranti festival on the horizon, South Central Railway (SCR) is gearing up to handle the massive passenger influx by operating approximately 150 special trains. These additional services will focus on key routes connecting major cities within Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, addressing the expected surge in travelers during this peak period. By providing extra trains, the initiative aims to reduce congestion, clear waitlists, and offer passengers a smoother and more comfortable travel experience.

Makar Sankranti is a widely celebrated festival across India, marked by its cultural significance and the movement of people returning home or heading towards pilgrimage destinations. The festival results in an increased demand for transportation, especially rail services, as families reunite and devotees make their way to sacred sites. To meet the travel needs of millions during this busy time, SCR has stepped in with enhanced train services to manage the rush effectively.

Additional Services for Telangana and Andhra Pradesh

To address the spike in demand within the two Telugu states, SCR has organized additional trains on critical routes across Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. These special services will ensure that passengers can travel more easily and without delays, particularly on routes that typically experience overcrowding. The additional trains will operate on high-demand routes, offering more seating options and helping to ease the pressure on stations during the festival rush.

In addition to these intra-state services, special trains will also operate to and from other parts of India, including northern, eastern, and southern regions, to accommodate travelers heading to different parts of the country. This expanded network of trains will help spread out passenger traffic across various routes, ensuring that more people can find a convenient and timely option for their journeys.

Pilgrimage Travel to Key Destinations

Makar Sankranti is a time when many devotees travel to significant pilgrimage sites, and SCR has made special arrangements for this group of passengers as well. Special trains will operate to major pilgrimage destinations such as Tirupati in Andhra Pradesh and Shirdi in Maharashtra. These locations see a massive influx of devotees during the festival, and the special services will provide a dedicated travel option for those visiting these sacred places, reducing the burden on regular trains and offering a more comfortable ride.

By catering specifically to the needs of pilgrims, SCR is ensuring that religious travelers can make their journeys without any added stress, helping them reach their destinations on time and in comfort.

Addressing Congestion at Secunderabad Station

One of the key challenges faced by South Central Railway during this peak travel period is managing the increased passenger traffic at Secunderabad Railway Station, one of the busiest hubs in the region. Secunderabad is currently undergoing major redevelopment work, which has led to capacity limitations at the station. Given the expected surge in passengers, SCR has taken proactive measures to manage this congestion.

To mitigate the impact of the construction, several important trains have been diverted from Secunderabad to alternative terminals, including Charlapalli, Kacheguda, and Lingampalli. These changes are designed to spread out the traffic and ensure that Secunderabad station does not become overwhelmed. By using these additional terminals, SCR aims to maintain smooth operations and minimize delays or disruptions for passengers traveling through Secunderabad during the festive period.

Planning Ahead for a Smoother Journey

With the large volume of travelers expected during Makar Sankranti, passengers are strongly advised to plan their journeys well in advance. Booking tickets ahead of time is crucial to securing seats and avoiding last-minute complications. As some trains may operate from alternative terminals or have adjusted schedules due to the introduction of special services, it is essential for travelers to stay informed and check train details before their journey.

Railway authorities have also urged passengers to consider traveling during off-peak hours if possible, as this can help reduce the likelihood of overcrowding and make the travel experience more comfortable.

Ensuring Safe and Comfortable Travel

The introduction of 150 special trains highlights South Central Railway’s ongoing commitment to ensuring safe, efficient, and comfortable travel for all passengers during the festival season. Indian Railways continually works to anticipate seasonal spikes in passenger demand and respond with solutions that make travel smoother during these high-demand periods.

South Central Railway has introduced one hundred and fifty special trains to ensure safe and comfortable travel for passengers during the Makar Sankranti festival. This move aims to ease congestion, manage waitlists, and provide smoother journeys during the peak travel season.

These additional trains reflect Indian Railways’ adaptability and ability to cater to the diverse needs of travelers. Whether returning home for family reunions or visiting spiritual destinations, SCR is making it easier for passengers to enjoy a hassle-free journey during Makar Sankranti. Through these efforts, SCR is not only enhancing the travel experience during the festival but also setting an example of how rail services can efficiently manage peak travel times while prioritizing passenger safety and convenience.