Railway Announces Onam Specials to Ease Hyderabad–Kottayam Travel Rush
Kottayam: In a major relief for passengers travelling during the Onam festive season, the Palakkad Division of Indian Railways has announced the operation of special trains between Charlapalli (Hyderabad) and Kottayam to accommodate the expected surge in travel demand.(sabarimalauptodate.in)
The special services will operate under Train Nos. 07197 and 07198, providing three trips in each direction during the festival period.
According to the schedule, Train No. 07197 Charlapalli–Kottayam Festival Special Express will depart from Charlapalli at 7:15 a.m. on August 16, 23 and 30 (Sundays) and arrive at Kottayam at 12:25 p.m. the following day. The train will halt at Palakkad Junction from 7:25 a.m. to 7:30 a.m. on Mondays.
In the return direction, Train No. 07198 Kottayam–Charlapalli Festival Special Express will leave Kottayam at 4:45 p.m. on August 17, 24 and 31 (Mondays) and reach Charlapalli at 12:30 a.m. the following Wednesday. The train is scheduled to stop at Palakkad Junction from 9:35 p.m. to 9:40 p.m. on Mondays.
The trains will consist of 3 AC Two-Tier coaches, 5 AC Three-Tier coaches, 10 Sleeper Class coaches, 4 Second Class General coaches, and 2 Second Class-cum-Luggage Brake Vans, ensuring adequate seating and sleeping accommodation for passengers.
En route, the special trains will halt at Nalgonda, Miryalaguda, Guntakal Junction, Tenali Junction, Bapatla, Chirala, Ongole, Nellore, Gudur Junction, Renigunta Junction, Katpadi Junction, Jolarpettai Junction, Salem Junction, Erode Junction, Tiruppur, Podanur Junction, Thrissur, Aluva, Ernakulam Town, and Palakkad Junction.
Railway officials said the Onam Special services have been introduced to ease passenger congestion and provide additional travel options during one of Kerala's busiest travel seasons. Passengers are advised to book their tickets well in advance due to the high demand expected during the festival period.