2023-24 Sabarimala special trains from Chennai

Sabarimala is a famous Hindu pilgrimage center located in the Western Ghats of Kerala, India. It is dedicated to Lord Ayyappa and attracts millions of devotees every year. The temple is situated on a hilltop and can be reached by climbing 18 sacred steps. The pilgrimage season, known as the Mandala season, begins in November and ends in January. During this time, devotees observe strict vows and follow a code of conduct. Sabarimala is known for its rigorous rituals and traditions, including the wearing of black attire, abstaining from non-vegetarian food, and observing celibacy. The temple complex also includes other shrines and facilities to accommodate the large number of pilgrims. Sabarimala holds great religious significance for devotees and continues to be a place of devotion and spirituality.

Every year Indian Railways will announces the operation of special trains for the Sabarimala pilgrimage season. These trains will provide convenient transportation options for devotees traveling to the famous Sabarimala temple in Kerala. The special trains will run from various cities across India, ensuring that devotees can easily reach their destination. This initiative by the Indian Railways aims to facilitate a smooth and hassle-free journey for pilgrims during this auspicious time.

South Central Railway 2023-24 Sabarimala Special Trains

The South Central Railway (SCR) officials will operate 22 Sabarimala special trains between various destinations to clear the rush of Ayyappa devotees. Special trains will have first class AC, 2AC, 3AC, sleeper and general second class coaches.

Train No.07129, Secunderabad to Kollam will depart on November 26, and December 3. Train No.07130, Kollam-Secunderabad will be operated on November 28 and December 5. Train No.07119, Narsapur-Kottayam will run on November 26 and December 3.

Train No.07120, Kottayam-Narsapur will be operated on November 27 and December 4. Train No.07123, Kacheguda-Kollam will run on November 22, 29 and December 6. Train No.07124, Kollam-Kacheguda will run on November 24, December 1 and 8.

Train No.07125, Kakinada Town-Kottayam will be operated on November 23 and 30. Train No.07126, Kottayam-Kakinada Town will run on November 25 and December 2.

“Train No.07127, Secunderabad-Kollam will run on November 24 and December 1. Likewise, train No.07128, Kollam-Secunderabad November 25 and December 2,” said the railway officials in a press release.

Train no 07121 Secunderabad – Kollam Special Fare Special will leave Secunderabad at 14.40 hrs on 14th January, 2024 (Sunday) and reach Kollam at 23.55

Train No. 07122 Kollam – Secunderabad Special Fare Special will leave Kollam at 02.30 hrs on 16th January, 2024 (Tuesday) and reach Secunderabad at 10.00 hrs the next day 

Train No. 07130 Kollam – Secunderabad Special Fare Special will leave Kollam at 02.30 hrs on 26th December, 2023 -amp; 02nd January, 2024 (Tuesdays) and reach Kollam at 23.55 hrs the next day (2 Services).

Train No. 07131 Secunderabad - Kollam Special Fare Special will leave Secunderabad at 16.00 hrs on 10th and 17th December 2023 (Sundays) and reach Kollam at 23.55 hrs, the next day (2 services).

Train No. 07132 Kollam- Secunderabad Special Fare Special will leave Kollam at 02.30 hrs on 12th and 19th December 2023 (Tuesdays) and reach Secunderabad at 09.30 hrs the next day (2 services).

Train no 07133 Secunderabad – Kollam Special Fare Special will leave Secunderabad at 16.50 hrs on 07th January, 2024 (Sunday) and reach Kollam at 23.55 hrs, the next day (1 Service).

Train No. 07134 Kollam – Secunderabad Special Fare Special will leave Kollam at 02.30 hrs on 09th January, 2024 (Tuesday) and reach Secunderabad at 10.00 hrs, the next day (1 Service)

Train No. 07135 Narsapur – Kottayam Festival Special Fare Special will leave Narsapur at 15.50 hrs on 10th, 17th, 24th, 31st December, 2023 -amp; 07th, 14th January, 2024 (Sundays) and reach Kottayam at 16.50 hrs, the next day (6 Services).

Train No. 07136 Kottayam – Narsapur Festival Special Fare Special will leave Kottayam at 19.00 hrs on 11th, 18th, 25th December, 2023, 01st 08th, and 15th January, 2024 (Mondays) and reach Narsapur at 21.00 hrs, the next day (6 Services)

Train No. 07137 Vijayawada – Kottayam Special Fare Special will leave Vijayawada at 22.50 hrs on 01st, 08th, 29th December, 2023 and 12th, 19th January, 2024 (Fridays) and reach Kottayam at 22.00 hrs, the next day (5 Services).

Train No. 07138 Kottayam – Vijayawada Special Fare Special will leave Kottayam at 01.00 hrs on 03rd, 10th, 31st December, 2023; 14th, 21st January, 2024 (Sundays) and reach Vijayawada at 02.00 hrs, the next day (5 Services)

06151/06152 Chennai Central – Kottayam – Chennai Central Vande Bharat Special (SR)

The first Vande Bharat special to Kerala. Runs for four trips but is a bit slow taking more than 12 hours to cover the 745 km from Chennai to Kottayam at around 60 kph only, same as the Chennai Mail. The train seems to be more patronized by Christmas/New Year holiday travellers to Kerala than Sabarimala pilgrims.

06151 Kottayam Vande Bharat Sabarimala Special will depart from MGR Chennai Central MAS on Fridays and Sundays December 15, 17, 22, 24 2023. Timetable: Departs MAS 04:30, KPD: 06:00, PTJ: 11:18, PGT: 12:08, TCR: 13:23, arrives ERN: 15:00, KTYM: 16:15.

06152 Sabarimala Special Vande Bharat Express to Chennai will depart from Kottayam KTYM on Saturdays and Mondays December 16, 18, 23, 25 2023. Timetable: Departs KTYM: 04:40, ERN: 05:45, TCR: 07:10, PGT: 09:30, PTJ: 11:00, arrives KPD: 15:40, PER: 16:50, MAS: 17:15.

Accommodation: 8 car Vande Bharat Rake. 01 EC, 07 CC.