Onam travel: Special trains from Bengaluru and Hubballi to Kerala extended through September

Keralites living in Karnataka can breathe a sigh of relief as Indian Railways has announced the extension of special train services between Bengaluru, Hubballi and Kerala until the end of September. This timely extension will serve as a major boon for those planning to travel home for the Onam festival.

Originally introduced during the Sabarimala pilgrimage season, these services have received multiple extensions to meet the heavy passenger demand on these busy routes. The extended trains will provide much-needed connectivity between major hubs in Karnataka and southern Kerala during the festive peak.

Extended special train schedules for September
The extended schedules for the special trains running between SMVT Bengaluru, Hubballi, Thiruvananthapuram, and Kollam are as follows:
• Train 06523 SMVT Bengaluru–Thiruvananthapuram North Weekend Special: Will operate on Mondays from September 7 to 28.
• Train 06524 Thiruvananthapuram North–SMVT Bengaluru Special: Will operate on Tuesdays from September 8 to 29. 
• Train 06547 SMVT Bengaluru–Thiruvananthapuram North Special: Will operate on Wednesdays from September 2 to 23.
• Train 06548 Thiruvananthapuram North–SMVT Bengaluru Special: Will operate on Thursdays from September 3 to 24.
• Train 06555 SMVT Bengaluru–Thiruvananthapuram North Special: Will operate on Fridays from September 4 to 25.
• Train 06556 Thiruvananthapuram North–SMVT Bengaluru Special: Will operate on Sundays from September 6 to 27.
• Train 07314 Kollam–Hubballi Special: Will operate on Mondays, from September 7 to 28.

Train diversions via Alappuzha on September 19 and 21
Passengers should also take note of temporary route diversions affecting several key services. Due to track maintenance and operational reasons, three major trains that usually run via Kottayam will be diverted via Alappuzha on Onam travel: Special trains from Bengaluru and Hubballi to Kerala extended through September 19 and 21. These include:
• Thiruvananthapuram–Mangaluru Central Express (16347)
• Thiruvananthapuram–Madurai Junction Amritha Express (16343)
• Thiruvananthapuram North–Nilambur Road Rajya Rani Express (16349)

On these two days, these diverted trains will have temporary stops at Ambalappuzha, Alappuzha, and Ernakulam Junction. However, their regular stops at Mavelikkara, Chengannur, Tiruvalla, Changanassery, and Kottayam stand cancelled.

Additionally, the Thiruvananthapuram Central–Hazrat Nizamuddin Junction Weekly Superfast Express (22653) will also run via the Alappuzha route on Onam travel: Special trains from Bengaluru and Hubballi to Kerala extended through September 21. This service has been allotted temporary stops at Haripad, Ambalappuzha, Alappuzha, and Ernakulam Junction for the day.