Thiruvananthapuram: With Diwali just around the corner, Indian Railways has bolstered its services in Kerala by attaching additional coaches to 14 trains to accommodate the anticipated surge in passengers. The move aims to ensure availability for travellers on waiting lists during the festive period and weekend travel rush.

Instead of introducing special trains, the railways have chosen to expand capacity on existing services, providing relief for thousands of commuters travelling home for Diwali celebrations. Only one service from Thiruvananthapuram to northern Kerala has been enhanced, while other long-distance trains connecting southern and northern regions have also been allotted extra coaches.

Among the trains receiving additional coaches are the Maveli Express, Amrit Express, and Kozhikode Jan Shatabdi. Passengers can refer to the following schedule for dates and coach types:

  • 12665 Kanyakumari – Howrah Express – October 18 – Sleeper Coach
  • 12666 Howrah – Kanyakumari Express – October 20 – Sleeper Coach
  • 12695 Chennai Central – Thiruvananthapuram Central Superfast – October 18, 20 – Sleeper Coach
  • 12696 Chennai Central – Thiruvananthapuram Central Superfast – October 17, 19, 21 – Sleeper Coach
  • 16187 Karaikal – Ernakulam Junction Express – October 17, 20 – Sleeper Coach
  • 16188 Ernakulam Junction – Karaikal Express – October 18, 21 – Sleeper Coach
  • 16344 Thiruvananthapuram Central – Rameswaram Amrit Express – October 21 – Sleeper Coach
  • 16343 Rameswaram – Thiruvananthapuram Central Amrit Express – October 17, 22 – Sleeper Coach
  • 16603 Mangaluru Central – Thiruvananthapuram Central Maveli Express – October 18, 20 – Sleeper Coach
  • 16604 Thiruvananthapuram Central – Mangaluru Central Maveli Express – October 17, 19, 21 – Sleeper Coach
  • 22639 Chennai Central – Alappuzha Express – October 16, 21 – Sleeper Coach
  • 22640 Alappuzha – Chennai Central Express – October 17, 22 – Sleeper Coach
  • 12075 Thiruvananthapuram Central – Kozhikode Jan Shatabdi Express – October 17 – Second Sitting Coach
  • 12076 Kozhikode – Thiruvananthapuram Central Jan Shatabdi Express – October 17 – Second Sitting Coach

This development comes alongside other festive measures by Indian Railways. Earlier, the Western Railway temporarily suspended platform ticket sales at four major stations – Bandra Terminus in Mumbai, and Vapi, Udhna, and Surat stations in Gujarat – from October 15 to 31 to avoid overcrowding during Diwali and Chhath.

In addition, the railways have announced a comprehensive festive travel plan, operating 763 Puja special trains covering 10,782 trips across multiple zones to manage the heightened passenger demand.