Southern Railway Launches Special Train Services to Ease Travel for Sabarimala Pilgrims During Peak Season

Published on December 28, 2025

Southern Railway has introduced a series of special train services to help manage the surge in passenger traffic during the peak Sabarimala pilgrimage season. Each year, millions of devotees travel to the Sabarimala temple, causing a significant increase in demand for rail services, leading to overcrowding and delays on regular trains. To address these challenges, Southern Railway has launched these additional trains to accommodate the growing number of pilgrims. These special services are designed to provide direct routes, reduce congestion, and offer a more comfortable, efficient travel experience for passengers, ensuring that they can reach their destinations with ease during this busy period.

The Sabarimala pilgrimage, which attracts pilgrims from across India, particularly from the southern states, is one of the most significant religious events of the year. This season witnesses a massive influx of passengers, and in response, Southern Railway has announced multiple special trains that will run through Podanur, connecting key destinations in Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana. The introduction of these services is a part of the Railway’s ongoing efforts to manage the heavy rush and ensure that travelers have a hassle-free journey.

Kollam to Narasapur Special Train Service

One of the first special train services is set to operate between Kollam, a coastal town in Kerala, and Narasapur, located in Andhra Pradesh. This train will be a vital link for pilgrims traveling between Kerala and Andhra Pradesh, two regions that see a high number of devotees heading to the Sabarimala temple.

Train number 07126 will depart from Kollam at 2:30 AM on December 29, heading towards Narasapur. The train will cover the journey overnight and is scheduled to reach Narasapur at 12:30 PM the next day. This direct train service is expected to provide passengers with an efficient and comfortable way to travel, reducing the stress of multiple transfers. This special service aims to ease the load on other trains running on the same route, which are often overbooked during peak pilgrimage times.

The Kollam-Narasapur special train will be equipped with necessary amenities to ensure a safe and comfortable journey for all passengers. As the Sabarimala season is a busy time, passengers are encouraged to book their tickets early to avoid any last-minute hassles.

Charlapalli to Kollam Special Train Service

Southern Railway will also operate a special train between Charlapalli, located in Telangana, and Kollam, Kerala. This service will cater to the large number of passengers traveling from Telangana to Kerala during the Sabarimala season. The special trains on this route will provide a convenient and direct travel option for passengers, eliminating the need for multiple connections.

Train number 07127 will depart from Charlapalli at 10:30 AM on January 10 and 17, arriving at Kollam at 10:00 PM the following day. These services will offer much-needed relief to passengers traveling long distances to reach Kerala. The special service aims to meet the increased demand for trains during this period, providing pilgrims with a comfortable option to travel directly without facing overcrowding.

In addition, train number 07128 will operate on the return leg of this route, departing from Kollam at 2:30 AM on January 12 and 19, and reaching Charlapalli at 1:20 PM the following day. This return service is essential for pilgrims making their way back after completing their pilgrimage to Sabarimala. By providing direct train services on both legs of the journey, Southern Railway hopes to reduce travel time and enhance the comfort of passengers.

Addressing the Need for Special Services

The decision to introduce these special trains comes in response to the growing demand for transportation during the Sabarimala pilgrimage. The annual pilgrimage sees millions of people converging at the Sabarimala temple, and managing this influx of passengers requires coordinated planning and additional train services. Southern Railway recognizes the challenges posed by the peak season and is taking proactive steps to ensure that pilgrims and travelers can reach their destinations safely and on time.

Regular trains during this period are often crowded, and there is a substantial increase in the number of passengers traveling between major pilgrimage hubs. The introduction of special trains serves to provide much-needed relief by ensuring that there is enough capacity for passengers while minimizing the pressure on regular train services. These special trains also offer a more convenient and direct route, which is particularly helpful for long-distance travelers.

Booking Information and Travel Guidelines

Given the high demand expected for these special trains, passengers are strongly advised to make their reservations as early as possible. Tickets for these special services can be booked through the official railway website, booking counters, and other authorized agents. Travelers are encouraged to secure their tickets in advance to avoid any inconvenience, especially as the Sabarimala season progresses.

It is important to note that these special trains will operate only for the duration of the Sabarimala season. After the pilgrimage period concludes, these services will be suspended, so travelers must ensure that they are traveling within the specified dates. Passengers should also be aware of any changes to train schedules or services, which can be checked through the Southern Railway’s official platforms.

A More Comfortable Journey for Pilgrims

The special train services introduced by Southern Railway during the Sabarimala season are a welcome addition for passengers seeking a smoother, more comfortable journey. With increased capacity, direct routes, and reduced travel times, these special trains provide much-needed support to the pilgrims heading to Sabarimala.

As the demand for train travel continues to grow, Southern Railway’s efforts to manage this surge through additional services will undoubtedly help ensure a better experience for all passengers. Whether traveling to or returning from Sabarimala, these special trains will provide a more efficient, organized travel option for thousands of devotees, making the pilgrimage season a little less stressful and more manageable.

Southern Railway has introduced special train services to manage the surge in passenger traffic during the peak Sabarimala pilgrimage season, ensuring smoother, more efficient travel for millions of devotees. These additional services aim to reduce overcrowding and provide direct, convenient routes to the temple.

By offering these additional train services, Southern Railway not only demonstrates its commitment to passenger welfare but also contributes to the smooth running of one of India’s most significant religious events.