Diwali Special Train: Good news for railway passengers. Southern Railway has rolled out two special trains connecting Chennai to Podanur, and Tambaram to Nagercoil, to help handle the surge in passengers during the festive Diwali period. You can start booking these special trains from Thursday (October 29), according to Maalaimalar.

Railways Announced Special Trains

The Chennai Central-Podanur special train (No. 06023) will depart from Chennai Central at 11.55 pm on Friday, November 6, arriving at Podanur at 9.15 am the following day. The return journey (No. 06024) departs Podanur at 11.30 pm on November 9 and pulls into Chennai Central at 9.35 am the next morning. This train makes stops at Perambur, Tiruvallur, Katpadi, Jolarpettai, Salem, Erode and Tirupur.

Know the Timetable

The Tambaram-Nagercoil special train (No. 06153) leaves Tambaram at 11.55 pm on November 6 and reaches Nagercoil at 3.30 pm the next day. The return service (No. 06154) departs Nagercoil at 9 pm on November 9 and arrives at Tambaram at 11.30 am the following day. This train travels through Chengalpattu, Villupuram, Chidambaram, Sirkazhi, Mayiladuthurai, Kumbakonam, Thanjavur, Tiruchy, Dindigul, Madurai, Tirunelveli and Valliyur.

“>October 28, 2026

Advance reservations for these special trains will open at 8:00 AM on October 29, 2026. The trains will have a total of 22 coaches, comprising two AC Two-Tier coaches, three AC Three-Tier coaches, 11 Sleeper Class coaches, four General Second Class coaches and two Luggage-cum-Brake Vans. Passengers planning to travel between Chennai and Podanur during the festive period can check seat availability and booking details through the official railway reservation system. These special services are intended to help manage increased passenger demand during Diwali.