34 special trains operated to clear Deepavali rush

The Southern Railway operated 34 special trains during the Deepavali festive week from major stations under the Thiruvananthapuram Division, benefitting over 45,000 reserved passengers. Between October 1 to October 22, a total of 1,35,032 passengers booked tickets in 92 trips of special trains operated to and from important stations in the Thiruvananthapuram Division.

In addition, 15 pairs of highly patronised trains were augmented, providing extra capacity on routes connecting major metros and northern destinations, said a statement from the Southern Railway here on Tuesday.

To cater to the surge in passenger demand, Deepavali special trains were operated connecting Thiruvananthapuram, Kochuveli, Kollam, Kottayam, Ernakulam, Nagercoil, and Kanniyakumari with major destinations such as Chennai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Mumbai, Patna, Santragach, Hubballi. These services significantly eased congestion in regular trains and ensured comfortable travel for passengers heading home for the festive season.

The Railways have also ensured proactive steps at key stations, including Thiruvananthapuram Central, Kochuveli, Kollam Junction, Kottayam, Ernakulam Junction, Aluva, Ernakulam Town to manage passenger flow and maintain order.