Special train cancellation: Chennai Central-Kottayam services cancelled due to low passenger bookings

Chennai: The October 22 service of the special train (06121) from Chennai Central to Kottayam has been cancelled due to insufficient passenger bookings. The return service (06122) from Kottayam scheduled for October 23 has also been cancelled, railway officials said.

The special train, initially introduced between Chennai Central and Sengottai via Madurai for Navratri and Diwali, was later extended to Kottayam. Services were scheduled for October 1, 8, 15 and 22, with stops at Punalur, Kottarakkara, Kollam, and Chengannur.

While the first service on October 1 was fully booked, subsequent trips saw low passenger turnout, despite the ongoing Diwali rush. The train, comprising AC three-tier economy coaches, was cancelled due to poor occupancy, even as several regular trains remain overbooked with passengers struggling to find seats to return home for the festival.