Southern Railway has announced the opening of advance booking for Pongal special trains from January 4, aiming to ease travel for passengers during one of the busiest festive seasons in South India. Pongal sees a sharp rise in passenger movement as people travel to their hometowns to celebrate the harvest festival with family.
To manage the expected rush, Southern Railway will operate multiple Pongal special trains on high-demand routes across Tamil Nadu and neighboring states. These additional services will supplement regular trains and help reduce waiting lists during peak travel days.
Routes Covered by Pongal Special Trains
The special trains will operate on busy routes connecting Chennai, Coimbatore, Madurai, Tirunelveli, Trichy, and other major cities. Services will also be available for passengers traveling to and from Bengaluru and Hyderabad, ensuring better connectivity for interstate travelers.
Pongal Special Trains 2026 — Train Number, Name & Timings
Tickets are available for booking from January 4 at 8:00 AM on IRCTC online or at railway counters.
| Train No | Train Name / Route | Running Dates | Departure | Arrival |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 06012 | Nagercoil → Tambaram Superfast Special | Jan 11 & 18 | 11:00 PM | 10:15 AM (next day) |
| 06053 | Tambaram → Nagercoil Express Special | Jan 14 & 21 | 12:30 PM | 03:30 AM (next day) |
| 06011 | Tambaram → Kanniyakumari Superfast Special | Jan 12 & 19 | 03:30 PM | 03:30 AM (next day) |
| 06054 | Kanniyakumari → Tambaram Express Special | Jan 13 & 20 | 08:30 PM | 10:15 AM (next day) |
| 06034/06033 | Coimbatore – Dr MGR Chennai Central Express Specials | Jan 11, 12, 18, 19 | From Coimbatore | To Chennai and return |
| 06156/06155 | Tirunelveli – Chengalpattu Superfast Specials | Jan 9, 10, 16, 17 | From Tirunelveli | To Chengalpattu and return |
| 06070/06069 | Tirunelveli – Chennai Egmore Superfast Special | Jan (select) | Dep/Arr varies | Dep/Arr varies |
| 06126/06125 | Mangaluru – Dr MGR Chennai Central Express Special | Jan (select) | Dep/Arr varies | Dep/Arr varies |
| 06025/06026 | Erode – Sengottai – Podanur Express Special | Jan (select) | Dep/Arr varies | Dep/Arr varies |
| 06106/06105 | Rameswaram – Tambaram Special | Jan (select) | Dep/Arr varies | Dep/Arr varies |
Booking Details
Passengers can book tickets for Pongal special trains starting January 4 through the official IRCTC website, mobile app, and authorized railway reservation counters. Railway officials have advised travelers to plan their journeys early, as tickets are expected to sell out quickly due to festive demand.
Passenger Arrangements
Southern Railway has stated that adequate arrangements are being made at major stations to handle increased footfall. Additional staff deployment, crowd management measures, proper coach maintenance, and safety arrangements will be ensured during the festival period.
Travel Advisory
Passengers are advised to regularly check official railway announcements for confirmed train numbers, schedules, and travel dates. Early booking and advance planning are strongly recommended to avoid last-minute inconvenience.
The decision to open advance booking for Pongal special trains from January 4 is expected to provide significant relief to thousands of passengers traveling during the festive season
FAQ
Q. When does Pongal special train booking start?
Booking opens on January 4.
Q. Which railway zone is operating Pongal special trains?
Southern Railway.
Q. Where can tickets be booked?
Through the IRCTC website, mobile app, and reservation counters.
Q. Will special trains run after Pongal?
Yes, to accommodate return journeys.
Q. Are waiting lists expected to reduce?
Yes, additional trains are expected to improve availability.