New Delhi/Kochi: In a massive boost for festive commuters, Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on Monday announced that more than 100 special train services will be operated to Kerala to manage the heavy passenger rush during the upcoming Onam festival.

The Railway Minister informed the media that the specific routes, schedules and stoppages for these additional services will be finalised and released shortly. To accommodate the large diaspora of non-resident Keralites heading home for the celebrations in August, special trains are expected to run from major metropolitan hubs, including Bengaluru, Chennai and Hyderabad. An official notification detailing the exact deployment is expected soon.

"Onam is the most important festival in Kerala. During this festive season, we will be operating more than 100 special train services," Minister Vaishnaw said. He added that the decision was taken following urgent representations from various political leaders in Kerala who had requested adequate transit arrangements to counter the seasonal travel crunch.

Following the Minister’s announcement, Southern Railway also issued an official confirmation, validating that over 100 special train services are being lined up to ensure smooth and comfortable travel for Keralites journeying to celebrate the festival with their families.
 

During the Onam season, train tickets on regular routes are routinely booked out months in advance, routinely subjecting thousands of travellers to severe logistical hardships. This extensive intervention by the railways is anticipated to provide major relief to families and working professionals across neighbouring states.