Southern Railway has announced two special train services to accommodate the expected rise in passenger numbers during the Diwali festive season. The trains will connect Chennai Central with Podanur and Tambaram with Nagercoil, offering additional travel options for passengers.
According to Maalaimalar, advance reservations for these special services will open on Thursday, October 29, 2026, at 8:00 AM. Passengers planning festive-season journeys can check availability and book tickets through the official railway reservation system.
Chennai Central–Podanur Special Train: Timings and Stops
The Chennai Central–Podanur special train, numbered 06023, will leave Chennai Central at 11:55 PM on Friday, November 6, and reach Podanur at 9:15 AM the following day.
The return service, train number 06024, will depart from Podanur at 11:30 PM on November 9 and arrive at Chennai Central at 9:35 AM the next morning.
Along the route, the train will stop at Perambur, Tiruvallur, Katpadi, Jolarpettai, Salem, Erode and Tirupur.
Tambaram–Nagercoil Special Train Schedule
Southern Railway has also arranged a special service between Tambaram and Nagercoil for the festive period.
Train number 06153 will depart from Tambaram at 11:55 PM on November 6 and arrive at Nagercoil at 3:30 PM the following day.
For the return journey, train number 06154 will leave Nagercoil at 9:00 PM on November 9 and reach Tambaram at 11:30 AM the next morning.
The train will serve several stations along the route, including Chengalpattu, Villupuram, Chidambaram, Sirkazhi, Mayiladuthurai, Kumbakonam, Thanjavur, Tiruchy, Dindigul, Madurai, Tirunelveli and Valliyur.
Diwali Special Trains: Coaches and Booking Details
Both special services will have a total of 22 coaches, arranged as follows:
- 2 AC Two-Tier coaches
- 3 AC Three-Tier coaches
- 11 Sleeper Class coaches
- 4 General Second Class coaches
- 2 Luggage-cum-Brake Vans
Advance booking will begin at 8:00 AM on October 29, 2026. Passengers are advised to check ticket availability and the latest service details through the official railway reservation system before travelling.
These additional trains are intended to help accommodate the higher demand for rail travel during Diwali, particularly for passengers travelling between Chennai and destinations in Tamil Nadu.
Disclaimer: This article is based on the railway service details provided in the source material. Train timings, stopping stations, coach composition and reservation availability may be subject to change. Passengers should verify the latest information through official Indian Railways channels before making travel arrangements.