Chennai: To manage the heavy rush of passengers during the Pongal festival, Southern Railway has announced the operation of additional special trains on select dates this month. These services are being introduced to help passengers travel comfortably during the festive season.
According to an official release, special trains will run between Tirunelveli, Tambaram, Chengalpattu, Chennai Central, Podanur, and Thoothukudi (Tuticorin).
Two Tirunelveli–Tambaram Superfast Special trains (06058/06057) will operate on January 13 and 20. These trains will leave Tirunelveli at 3.45 am and reach Tambaram at 2 pm. The return journey will start from Tambaram at 3 pm and reach Tirunelveli at 2 am.
A pair of Tirunelveli–Chengalpattu Superfast Special trains (06154/06153) will run on January 14. The train will depart Tirunelveli at 3.45 am and arrive at Chengalpattu at 1.15 pm. The return service will leave Chengalpattu at 3.30 pm and reach Tirunelveli at 2 am.
Southern Railway will also run Tirunelveli–Tambaram Express Special trains (06166/06165) on January 12 and 19. These trains will start from Tirunelveli at 12.30 am and reach Tambaram at 1.30 pm. The return service will leave Tambaram at 4.40 pm and reach Tirunelveli at 8 am.
In addition, a Podanur–Dr MGR Chennai Central Express Special (06194/06193) will operate on January 8 and 9 to meet the increased travel demand during the Pongal festival.
Southern Railway has advised passengers to check train timings and availability in advance and plan their journeys accordingly.