Thiruvananthapuram: For Keralites living in Bangalore and Chennai, the annual Onam homecoming rush is both a tradition and a logistical nightmare. Train and bus tickets vanish weeks in advance, leaving many scrambling for alternatives. This year, the Indian Railways is stepping in with a lineup of special trains aimed at easing the festive travel congestion, and the first services have already begun rolling.
Bookings are now open for the Chennai Kollam Weekly Express, which will run on August 27, September 3, and September 10. Its return service, the Kollam Chennai Express, will depart on August 28, September 4, and September 11.
Within Kerala, the Railways has planned routes to reduce pressure on popular intercity services. The Mangalore Thiruvananthapuram North Express will operate on August 21, 23, 28, 30 and September 4, 6, 11, 13. The return service will run on August 22, 24, 29, 31 and September 5, 7, 12, 14. Similarly, the Mangalore Kollam Express will depart on August 25 and September 1, 8, with the Kollam Mangalore Express scheduled for August 26 and September 2, 9.
For the thousands of Onam-bound travellers from Bengaluru, two sets of SMVT Bengaluru Thiruvananthapuram North services have been announced. The first will run on August 13, 27 and September 3 (returning August 14, 28 and September 4). The second will depart Bengaluru on August 11, 18, 25 and September 1, 8, 15 (returning August 12, 19, 26 and September 2, 9, 16).
With tickets selling out fast, Railway officials urge passengers to book early to secure their seats. For many homesick Keralites, these special trains may be the golden ticket to making it home in time for the sadhya.