In preparation for the massive festive rush, Indian Railways has unveiled a detailed plan to operate special train services for Pongal 2026. This major harvest festival, celebrated over four days primarily in Tamil Nadu and other southern states, witnesses a significant surge in travel demand as people journey to their hometowns for celebrations. The special trains are designed to provide additional connectivity and ensure smooth travel during this peak period.
Complete Schedule and Routes for Pongal Special Trains
The railways have scheduled multiple special trains connecting key destinations. The services include express and superfast trains to cater to the high volume of passengers. Here is the detailed breakdown of the announced services.
Mangaluru-Dr MGR Chennai Central-Mangaluru Express Special (Train Nos. 06126/06125)
Train number 06126 will depart from Mangaluru Junction at 03:10 hours on Tuesday, 13th January 2026. It is scheduled to arrive at Dr MGR Chennai Central at 23:30 hours on the same day. This service will operate once.
For the return journey, Train number 06125 will leave Dr MGR Chennai Central at 04:15 hours on Wednesday, 14th January 2026, reaching Mangaluru Junction at 23:30 hours the same day. This is also a single service.
The train's coach composition includes 1 AC Two-Tier coach, 3 AC Three-Tier coaches, 15 Sleeper Class coaches, and 2 Second Class coaches that are Divyangjan friendly. Key stoppages on this route are Kasaragod, Kannur, Kozhikode, Tirur, Shoranur, and Palakkad.
Tirunelveli-Chengalpattu-Tirunelveli Superfast Specials (Train Nos. 06156/06155)
Train No. 06156 will run from Tirunelveli to Chengalpattu, departing at 03:45 hours on Fridays, 9th and 16th January 2026. It will reach Chengalpattu at 13:15 hours on the same day, offering two services.
In the opposite direction, Train No. 06155 will depart Chengalpattu at 15:30 hours on the same dates (9th & 16th Jan) and arrive at Tirunelveli at 02:00 hours the following day.
This superfast special will have 1 AC Chair Car coach, 4 Sitting Chair Car coaches, 13 General Second Class coaches, and 2 Divyangjan-friendly Second Class coaches. Stoppages include Kovilpatti, Satur, Virudunagar, Tirumangalam, Madurai, and Sholavandan.
Kanniyakumari–Tambaram–Nagercoil Express Special (Train Nos. 06054/06053)
This service will operate on two dates. Train No. 06054 will leave Kanniyakumari at 20:30 hours on Tuesdays, 13th and 20th January 2026, arriving at Tambaram at 10:15 hours the next day.
The return service, Train No. 06053 (Tambaram – Nagercoil), will depart Tambaram at 12:30 hours on Wednesdays, 14th and 21st January, reaching Nagercoil at 03:30 hours the following day.
The train consists of 18 AC Three-Tier coaches and 2 Luggage-cum-Brake Vans. It will halt at Nagercoil, Valliyur, Nanguneri, Tirunelveli, Kovilpatti, Satur, Virudunagar, Arupukkottai, and Manamadurai.
Additional Connectivity for Key Festival Routes
Erode–Sengottai–Podanur Express Special (Train Nos. 06025/06026)
A single service of Train No. 06025 will run from Erode to Sengottai, departing at 16:00 hours on Tuesday, 13th January 2026, and arriving at 11:30 hours the next day.
The corresponding Train No. 06026 will leave Sengottai at 20:45 hours on Wednesday, 14th January, and reach Podanur at 19:30 hours the following day.
This train's configuration includes 2 AC Chair Car coaches, 9 Sitting Chair Car coaches, 3 General Second Class coaches, and 2 Divyangjan-friendly Second Class coaches. Stoppages are Tiruppur, Erode, Salem, Jolarpettai, Katpadi, Arakkonam, Tiruvallur, and Perambur.
Podanur–Dr MGR Chennai Central–Podanur Express Special (Train Nos. 06024/06023)
This route will see two services. Train No. 06024 will depart Podanur at 00:35 hours on Wednesdays, 14th and 21st January 2026, and reach Dr MGR Chennai Central at 10:30 hours the same day.
For the return trip, Train No. 06023 will leave Dr MGR Chennai Central at 13:50 hours on the same dates, arriving at Podanur at 23:15 hours.
The train will be composed of 18 AC Three-Tier coaches and 2 Luggage-cum-Brake Vans, with stoppages at Tirupur, Erode, Salem, Jolarpettai, Katpadi, Arakkonam, Tiruvallur, and Perambur.
Ensuring Smooth Festival Travel for Passengers
The announcement of these special trains underscores Indian Railways' commitment to managing the seasonal spike in travel. By adding these extra services on high-demand routes connecting major cities like Chennai, Mangaluru, Tirunelveli, and Nagercoil, the railways aim to reduce congestion on regular trains and provide comfortable, accessible travel options. The inclusion of Divyangjan-friendly coaches across multiple services highlights a focus on inclusive travel during the festive season. Passengers are advised to check the latest schedules and book their tickets in advance to secure a seat on these special Pongal trains.
