Mangaluru: In view of the extra rush of passengers during the Holi festival, the Railways has announced special train services between Thiruvananthapuram Central railway station and Madar Junction railway station in March 2026.

The special services are aimed at clearing the heavy festive rush, particularly of passengers travelling between Kerala and northern and western parts of the country.

Train No. 06013: Thiruvananthapuram–Madar Festival Special

Train No. 06013 Thiruvananthapuram Central – Madar Junction Festival Special Express will depart from Thiruvananthapuram Central at 7.45 am on March 4 and March 11, 2026 (Wednesdays). The train will reach Madar Junction at 11.00 am on the following Friday. A total of two services will be operated.

Timings in Palakkad Division

The detailed stoppages and timings in the Palakkad Division are as follows:

  • Thiruvananthapuram Central – Depart 07.45 hrs (Wednesday)
  • Shoranur Junction – Arrive 14.05 hrs / Depart 14.15 hrs
  • Tirur – Arrive 14.54 hrs / Depart 14.55 hrs
  • Kozhikode – Arrive 15.32 hrs / Depart 15.35 hrs
  • Kannur – Arrive 16.37 hrs / Depart 16.40 hrs
  • Kasaragod – Arrive 17.44 hrs / Depart 17.45 hrs
  • Mangaluru Junction railway station – Arrive 20.20 hrs / Depart 20.30 hrs
  • Madar Junction – Arrive 11.00 hrs (Friday)

Train No. 06014: Madar–Thiruvananthapuram Festival Special

Train No. 06014 Madar Junction – Thiruvananthapuram Central Festival Special Express will depart from Madar Junction at 9.40 pm on March 7 and March 14, 2026 (Saturdays). The train will reach Thiruvananthapuram Central at 12.45 am on the following Tuesday. Two return services will be operated.

Timings in Palakkad Division

  • Madar Junction – Depart 21.40 hrs (Saturday)
  • Mangaluru Junction – Arrive 11.50 hrs / Depart 12.00 hrs
  • Kasaragod – Arrive 12.39 hrs / Depart 12.40 hrs
  • Kannur – Arrive 13.42 hrs / Depart 13.45 hrs
  • Kozhikode – Arrive 15.07 hrs / Depart 15.10 hrs
  • Tirur – Arrive 15.44 hrs / Depart 15.45 hrs
  • Shoranur Junction – Arrive 18.10 hrs / Depart 18.20 hrs
  • Thiruvananthapuram Central – Arrive 00.45 hrs (Tuesday)

Coach composition

The special trains will comprise 20 Sleeper Class coaches and two Second Class-cum-Luggage Brake Vans. No air-conditioned coaches have been announced for these services.

Railway authorities said the trains are expected to benefit passengers travelling for Holi celebrations, including migrant workers and families heading to their native places in Rajasthan and other northern states.

Additional stoppages

Apart from the major stations listed above, the trains will also halt at Kollam Junction, Kayankulam Junction, Mavelikara, Chengannur, Tiruvalla, Changanassery, Kottayam, Ernakulam Town, Aluva, Thrissur, Surathkal, Udupi, Kundapura, Byndoor Mookambika Road, Murdeshwar, Kumta, Karwar, Madgaon Junction, Thivim, Sawantwadi Road, Kankavali, Ratnagiri, Chiplun, Khed, Mangaon, Roha, Panvel, Bhiwandi Road, Vapi, Surat, Vadodara Junction, Godra Junction, Ratlam Junction, Mandasor, Nimach, Chittaurgarh Junction, Bhilwara, Bijainagar and Ajmer Junction.

These stoppages will ensure connectivity across Kerala, Karnataka, Goa, Maharashtra, Gujarat and Rajasthan.

Advisory to passengers

Passengers have been advised to check the detailed schedule and availability before commencing their journey. Advance reservation is recommended to avoid inconvenience during the festive rush.

With Holi being one of the most widely celebrated festivals in northern India, the operation of special trains is expected to ease travel pressure on regular services and provide relief to waitlisted passengers.

Conclusion

The introduction of these festival special trains reflects the Railways’ efforts to manage seasonal passenger demand efficiently. Authorities have urged travellers to plan ahead and make timely bookings to ensure a smooth journey during the Holi season.