South Coast Railway Announces 44 Special Train Services for Sabarimala Pilgrims from Andhra Pradesh
Visakhapatnam: In a major initiative to facilitate the journey of Ayyappa devotees travelling to Sabarimala for the Mandala-Makaravilakku pilgrimage season 2026–27, South Coast Railway has announced special train services connecting several important destinations in Andhra Pradesh with Kollam in Kerala.
The special trains will operate between Srikakulam Road, Machilipatnam and Kakinada Town in Andhra Pradesh and Kollam, providing additional travel options for pilgrims heading to Sabarimala.
1. Srikakulam Road – Kollam Special Express (08539/08540)
Train No. 08539 – Srikakulam Road–Kollam Special Express
- Departure: Srikakulam Road at 09:20 hrs.
- Operating day: Every Sunday.
- Period: 22 November 2026 to 24 January 2027.
- Arrival: Kollam at 21:30 hrs. on Monday.
Train No. 08540 – Kollam–Srikakulam Road Special Express
- Departure: Kollam at 02:30 hrs.
- Operating day: Every Tuesday.
- Period: 24 November 2026 to 26 January 2027.
- Arrival: Srikakulam Road at 16:50 hrs. on Wednesday.
2. Machilipatnam – Kollam Special Express (07231/07232)
Train No. 07231 – Machilipatnam–Kollam Special Express
- Departure: Machilipatnam at 16:30 hrs.
- Operating days: Fridays, 20 and 27 November 2026.
- Services: Two trips.
- Arrival: Kollam at 21:30 hrs. on Saturday.
Train No. 07232 – Kollam–Machilipatnam Special Express
- Departure: Kollam at 02:30 hrs. on Sunday.
- Operating days: 22 and 29 November 2026.
- Arrival: Machilipatnam at 08:50 hrs. on Monday.
3. Kakinada Town – Kollam Special Express (07233/07234)
Train No. 07233 – Kakinada Town–Kollam Special Express
- Departure: Kakinada Town at 08:20 hrs.
- Operating day: Every Thursday.
- Period: 19 November 2026 to 21 January 2027.
- Services: 10 trips.
- Arrival: Kollam at 21:30 hrs. on Friday.
Train No. 07234 – Kollam–Kakinada Town Special Express
- Departure: Kollam at 02:30 hrs. on Saturday.
- Period: 21 November 2026 to 23 January 2027.
- Services: 10 trips.
- Arrival: Kakinada Town at 18:30 hrs. on Sunday.
In total, South Coast Railway has announced 44 special train trips (22 in each direction) connecting Andhra Pradesh with Kollam to facilitate the journey of Ayyappa devotees during the 2026–27 Mandala-Makaravilakku pilgrimage season. These additional services are expected to provide greater convenience for pilgrims travelling to Sabarimala from different parts of Andhra Pradesh and Tamil nadu. Passengers are advised to check the official Indian Railways website, www.irctc.co.in, for ticket booking availability and further updates.