Bengaluru: To ease travel during the upcoming Diwali festival rush, the South Western Railway (SWR) has announced the operation of special trains from Bengaluru to Talaguppa (Jog Falls) and Belagavi. These special services aim to accommodate the surge in passenger demand and ensure comfortable travel for festive commuters heading to various parts of Karnataka.

Special train to Talaguppa (Jog Falls)

According to an official release, Train No. 06587 (Yeshwantpur–Talaguppa) will depart from Yeshwantpur Railway Station at 10:30 PM on October 17 and 24, reaching Talaguppa at 4:15 AM the following day.

The return service, Train No. 06588 (Talaguppa–Yeshwantpur), will depart from Talaguppa at 10:00 AM on October 18 and 25, and arrive at Yeshwantpur at 5:15 PM the same day.

The train will halt at key stations including Tumakuru, Tiptur, Arsikere, Birur, Tarikere, Bhadravati, Shivamogga Town, Anandapuram, and Sagara Jambagaru in both directions.

Officials said the Talaguppa route has been witnessing higher demand from passengers heading towards Jog Falls, a popular tourist destination in the Shivamogga district, especially during the post-monsoon season. The special trains are expected to make travel easier for families and tourists during the festive period.

Special train to Belagavi

In addition, the SWR has also introduced special services between Sir M. Visvesvaraya Terminal (SMVT) Bengaluru and Belagavi to cater to the festive travel crowd in north Karnataka.

Train No. 06503 (SMVT Bengaluru–Belagavi) will depart from SMVT Bengaluru at 5:30 PM on October 17 and reach Belagavi at 5:30 AM the next day.

The return service, Train No. 06504 (Belagavi–SMVT Bengaluru), will leave Belagavi at 5:30 PM on October 22 and arrive at SMVT Bengaluru at 5:00 AM the following morning.

The train will make stops at Chikkabanavara, Tumakuru, Arsikere, Birur, Davangere, Harihar, Haveri, Hubballi, Dharwad, Alnavar, and Londa.

Railway officials have advised passengers to book tickets early to avoid last-minute inconvenience, as these trains are expected to see high occupancy during the Diwali period.

Focus on festive convenience

A senior railway official from SWR stated that the special services are part of the zone’s ongoing effort to meet passenger needs during festive seasons. “Every year, Diwali witnesses a sharp rise in passenger movement from Bengaluru towards northern and western Karnataka. These special trains will help reduce congestion and provide additional capacity,” the official said.

In addition to these services, SWR is reportedly reviewing other routes with heavy passenger traffic and may announce more special trains in the coming days, depending on demand.

Passenger advisory

Passengers are encouraged to verify train timings and seat availability on the official Indian Railways website (www.irctc.co.in) or the NTES app before travel. All standard COVID-19 safety and onboard regulations remain applicable.

The railways have also urged passengers to arrive at stations well in advance to avoid crowding and ensure smooth boarding.

Conclusion

The South Western Railway’s Diwali special trains to Talaguppa and Belagavi come as a timely relief for travellers looking to visit family, friends, and tourist destinations during the festive season. By adding extra services and extending connectivity, the railways aim to make Diwali travel from Bengaluru safer, smoother, and more accessible for all passengers.