Special Trains via Coimbatore for Sabarimala Pilgrimage Season – Southern Railway Announcement

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Southern Railway has introduced special weekly trains via Coimbatore to manage the Sabarimala pilgrimage season 2025. The Machilipatnam – Kollam, Kollam – Machilipatnam, Narasapuram – Kollam, and Kollam – Narasapuram routes will run on selected dates between November 14, 2025, and January 20, 2026, halting at major stations including Podanur, Salem, Erode, and Tiruppur. These trains will ease the travel rush for thousands of Ayyappa devotees heading to Sabarimala.

Southern Railway’s Devotee-Friendly Move

With the Sabarimala pilgrimage season approaching, thousands of devotees from across South India prepare for their annual spiritual journey to the Ayyappan Temple in Kerala. Recognizing the surge in passenger demand, Southern Railway has announced the operation of special trains via Coimbatore to ensure smoother and more comfortable travel for devotees.

Every year, between November and January, lakhs of pilgrims embark on the sacred trek to Sabarimala. The influx of devotees often leads to overcrowding in trains, particularly on routes connecting Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Kerala. To address this, Southern Railway has planned additional trains that will pass through Coimbatore, a key junction connecting major southern states.

Special Trains Announced via Coimbatore

Southern Railway has announced four special weekly trains for the Sabarimala season. These trains connect major cities like Machilipatnam, Kollam, and Narasapuram, passing through Podanur near Coimbatore, ensuring that pilgrims from Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh have easy access to Kerala.

Below is the detailed schedule and route breakdown:

1️⃣ Machilipatnam – Kollam Weekly Special Train (No. 07101)

• Running Dates: November 14, 21, 28, December 26, and January 2
• Departure: Machilipatnam at 4:30 PM (Fridays)
• Arrival: Kollam at 10:00 PM the next day
• Major Halt: Podanur (Coimbatore) at 12:00 Noon

This special train will serve devotees from Andhra Pradesh traveling towards Kerala for Sabarimala Darshan. The Podanur stop makes it accessible to devotees from Coimbatore, Tiruppur, and nearby regions.

2️⃣ Kollam – Machilipatnam Weekly Special Train (No. 07102)

• Running Dates: November 16, 23, 30, December 28, and January 4
• Departure: Kollam at 2:30 AM (Sundays)
• Arrival: Machilipatnam at 8:00 AM the next day
• Halt: Podanur at 11:10 AM, also halting at Salem, Erode, and Tiruppur

This return route provides a convenient option for devotees traveling back to Andhra Pradesh after their pilgrimage. The inclusion of Coimbatore, Erode, and Salem halts ensures regional accessibility and ease of connection.

3️⃣ Narasapuram – Kollam Weekly Special Train (No. 07105)

• Running Period: November 16, 2025, to January 18, 2026
• Departure: Narasapuram at 3:00 PM (Sundays)
• Arrival: Kollam at 10:00 AM the next day
• Podanur Halt: 12:00 Noon

The train serves as a direct link between coastal Andhra Pradesh and Kerala. Devotees from Tamil Nadu can board from Podanur or Coimbatore to reach Kerala comfortably.

4️⃣ Kollam – Narasapuram Weekly Special Train (No. 07106)

• Running Dates: November 18, 2025, to January 20, 2026
• Departure: Kollam at 2:30 AM (Tuesdays)
• Arrival: Narasapuram at 7:00 AM next day
• Podanur Halt: 11:10 AM

This service caters to the return journey for Ayyappa devotees traveling back to Andhra Pradesh after completing the pilgrimage. The mid-morning stop at Podanur benefits passengers in and around Coimbatore.

Podanur: The Key Junction for Devotees

Podanur, located just a few kilometers from Coimbatore Junction, plays a vital role in connecting Tamil Nadu with Kerala. With these special train halts, Podanur becomes a central hub for Sabarimala pilgrims.

Many devotees from Coimbatore and nearby districts like Tiruppur, Erode, Pollachi, and Salem can easily board or deboard these trains without the need to travel to Kerala’s major stations.

For passengers, this not only saves time but also reduces the challenges of last-minute travel arrangements during the peak Sabarimala season.

Easing the Travel Rush for Pilgrims

The Sabarimala Ayyappa Temple attracts millions of devotees each year, especially during the Mandala Pooja and Makaravilakku seasons. Southern Railway’s initiative aims to ensure a safe and organized travel experience.

These trains are equipped with sleeper coaches and general compartments to handle the heavy rush. By including major halts through Tamil Nadu, the railway ensures that devotees from across the region can plan their journeys conveniently.

Connectivity Benefits via Coimbatore

Coimbatore’s strategic railway connectivity makes it one of the most important transit points in southern India. With direct links to Kerala, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh, the inclusion of Coimbatore in the special train route adds immense convenience.

The city already serves as a boarding point for several long-distance trains to Kerala, but during the Sabarimala season, availability becomes limited. These new services help reduce congestion while providing flexibility for travelers.

A Step Toward Safe and Hassle-Free Pilgrimage

In recent years, the Indian Railways has been taking several steps to enhance the experience of Sabarimala pilgrims. From deploying additional coaches to running festival specials, these efforts have significantly improved convenience.

By scheduling the trains on specific days – Fridays, Sundays, and Tuesdays – Southern Railway ensures an even distribution of passenger load and better crowd management at key junctions like Salem, Erode, and Coimbatore.

Safety and Facilities for Pilgrims

Southern Railway has also emphasized ensuring passenger safety during the pilgrimage rush:

• Additional security personnel at major stations
• Special arrangements for crowd control and boarding assistance
• Clean drinking water and sanitation facilities
• Onboard staff to manage travel queries and emergencies

Pilgrims are encouraged to book tickets early through IRCTC or authorized counters to avoid last-minute rush and ensure confirmed seats.

Dates Summary for Easy Reference

Why This Matters for Devotees

For the thousands of devotees from Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh traveling to Kerala for Sabarimala, these trains make a big difference:

• Shorter travel time
• Fewer connections required
• Convenient boarding from Coimbatore and nearby towns
• Reduced congestion in regular express trains

This move showcases Southern Railway’s commitment to supporting faith-based travel and providing comfortable facilities for religious tourism.

Sabarimala Pilgrimage – A Tradition Beyond Borders

The Sabarimala Ayyappa Temple, located in the Western Ghats of Kerala, is one of India’s most revered pilgrimage centers. Devotees undertake the journey after observing 41 days of austerity, following strict vows of celibacy, discipline, and devotion.

During the pilgrimage season, millions walk through the forest path to reach the hill shrine, chanting “Swamiye Saranam Ayyappa.” The entire journey symbolizes faith, endurance, and spiritual awakening.

The newly announced train services help devotees from Coimbatore, Andhra Pradesh, and other regions embark on this sacred journey with greater comfort and safety.

Travel Tips for Pilgrims

• Book early: Tickets are available on the IRCTC portal or at railway booking counters.
• Check train timings: Schedules may vary slightly due to operational adjustments.
• Plan connections: If boarding from Coimbatore, arrive early at Podanur station.
• Carry essentials: Keep identification, tickets, and travel essentials handy.
• Stay hydrated and travel light during the long journey.

Public Response and Appreciation

Local passengers and Ayyappa devotees have welcomed Southern Railway’s move, appreciating the inclusion of Coimbatore in the route. The special trains are expected to reduce the crowd on regular trains and make travel more systematic during the busy months of November, December, and January.

Many devotees expressed gratitude that the Podanur stop gives easier access compared to distant junctions, especially for those traveling from rural areas around Coimbatore district.

Conclusion

Southern Railway’s introduction of special trains via Coimbatore for the Sabarimala pilgrimage season reflects thoughtful planning and devotion to public convenience. The additional train services will not only decongest existing routes but also ensure that devotees reach Sabarimala smoothly and safely.

For the faithful embarking on their spiritual journey, these special services symbolize more than just transport – they are part of a sacred experience that unites millions across the South in devotion, faith, and community spirit.