Special Weekly Trains Announced for Puja and Diwali Festival Rush 2026
Indian Railways has announced the operation of a special weekly train service between Thiruvananthapuram Central and Madar Junction to manage the additional passenger rush expected during the Puja and Diwali festive season in 2026. The special service will connect major cities and towns across Kerala, Karnataka, Goa, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh, providing an additional travel option for passengers during the peak festival period.
The service will operate as Train No. 06013/06014 Thiruvananthapuram Central–Madar Junction–Thiruvananthapuram Central Weekly Special.
Thiruvananthapuram Central–Madar Junction Special
Train No. 06013 will depart from Thiruvananthapuram Central at 7:45 AM on Wednesdays on six occasions:
- October 21, 2026
- October 28, 2026
- November 4, 2026
- November 11, 2026
- November 18, 2026
- November 25, 2026
The train will reach Madar Junction at 11:00 AM on the third day of its journey.
In the return direction, Train No. 06014 Madar Junction–Thiruvananthapuram Central Weekly Special will depart from Madar Junction at 9:40 PM on Saturdays on:
- October 24, 2026
- October 31, 2026
- November 7, 2026
- November 14, 2026
- November 21, 2026
- November 28, 2026
The train will arrive at Thiruvananthapuram Central at 12:45 AM on the fourth day.
Extensive network of stoppages
The special train will provide connectivity to a large number of stations across southern and western India. In Kerala, the service will stop at Kollam Junction, Kayankulam, Mavelikara, Chengannur, Tiruvalla, Changanasseri, Kottayam, Ernakulam Town, Aluva, Thrisur, Shoranur Junction, Tirur, Kozhikode, Kannur and Kasaragod.
The train will then serve important stations in Karnataka, including Mangaluru Junction, Surathkal, Udupi, Kundapura, Mookambika Road Byndoor (H), Murdeshwar, Kumta and Karwar.
In Goa, the designated stoppages include Madgaon Junction and Thivim, followed by Sawantwadi Road, Kankavali, Ratnagiri, Sangameshwar Road, Chiplun, Khed, Mangaon and Roha in Maharashtra.
The train will also stop at Panvel and Vasai Road, providing connectivity towards the Mumbai region before proceeding northwards.
Further stoppages have been provided at Vapi, Surat, Vadodara Junction, Godhra Junction, Ratlam Junction, Mandasor, Nimach, Chittaurgarh Junction, Bhilwara, Bijainagar and Ajmer Junction.
20 LHB coaches
The special service will consist of 20 LHB coaches, with a significant proportion of air-conditioned accommodation.
| Coach Type | Number |
|---|---|
| AC 2-Tier | 1 |
| AC 3-Tier | 4 |
| AC 3-Tier Economy | 13 |
| Generator Cars | 2 |
| Total | 20 |
The coach composition includes one AC 2-Tier coach, four AC 3-Tier coaches and 13 AC 3-Tier Economy coaches, along with two generator cars.
Additional capacity during festive season
The introduction of the weekly special is aimed at providing additional passenger capacity during a period when railway services typically witness increased demand due to festivals, holidays and family travel. The service will offer passengers an additional rail option between Kerala and Rajasthan, while also connecting several major destinations along the western and central Indian railway network.
The extensive list of stoppages is expected to benefit passengers travelling to major commercial, pilgrimage and tourist destinations along the route.
Passengers are advised to check the latest schedule, availability, platform information and detailed stoppages before travelling, as operational timings may be subject to railway requirements.
For detailed information regarding halts and timings, passengers can refer to the Indian Railways enquiry system at www.enquiry.indianrail.gov.in.
The special services will operate on the dates notified above and are specifically intended to help clear the additional passenger rush during the Puja and Diwali festival season of 2026.
