
South Central Railway (SCR) has announced 150 special trains ahead of the Sankranthi festival to meet the high travel demand from Hyderabad and other major stations in the South Railway zone. The announcement was made by A. Sridhar, Chief Public Relations Officer (CPRO) of SCR. These trains have been scheduled to ensure smooth travel for passengers heading to Coastal Andhra Pradesh and other regions during the festive season.
According to Sridhar, the special trains will connect Hyderabad with Narsapuram, Kakinada, Srikakulam, and Vizag. In addition to these, special trains are also operating from Tirupati, Shirdi, Nanded, and several other important stations in Maharashtra. The aim is to provide safe and convenient travel options for festival-goers traveling to popular destinations.
SCR officials said that more than 600 trains will continue to operate during the festive season, covering the North, East, and South regions of India. Passengers are encouraged to check schedules in advance, as some trains have been shifted temporarily or permanently to alternate stations to reduce congestion.
The CPRO warned passengers about possible inconvenience at Secunderabad railway station due to ongoing redevelopment works. “There is a huge rush expected at Secunderabad during the festival season. Moreover, the station is undergoing redevelopment, which may create problems for passengers,” he said.
To manage the crowd and streamline operations, several trains have been shifted from Secunderabad to nearby terminals, including Charlapalli, Kacheguda, and Lingampalli. Some trains have been permanently moved, while others have been shifted temporarily for the festival period. SCR has also announced halts at major stations like Charlapalli, Secunderabad, Begumpet, High-Tech City, and Lingampalli to allow passengers to board from the nearest station.
SCR has also temporarily suspended 16 regular mail and express trains to better manage the high traffic. Many special trains have been added or adjusted to ensure smooth movement across the region. Passengers traveling from Coastal Andhra Pradesh can now board additional trains departing from the city, making travel more accessible during the festival rush.
The railway authorities have urged passengers to plan their journeys in advance and cooperate with station staff. They advised travelers to check updated train schedules and platform information before leaving home, especially at stations currently under renovation or redevelopment. The objective is to avoid unnecessary delays and ensure passengers have a safe and comfortable journey.
According to Sridhar, the special arrangements were made keeping in mind the growing number of travelers and the importance of connecting key cities. The railway has introduced additional halts at stations in developing areas, making it easier for passengers to reach their nearest stations and reducing overcrowding at central hubs.
South Central Railway has also coordinated with station authorities to manage crowd control and ensure smooth boarding and alighting of passengers. Announcements, digital display boards, and dedicated staff have been deployed to guide travelers and provide information about train schedules and platform changes.
SCR emphasized that passengers must remain patient and follow safety guidelines, particularly at busy stations like Secunderabad, Charlapalli, Kacheguda, Begumpet, High-Tech City, and Lingampalli. By following the instructions of station staff and adhering to railway guidelines, travelers can avoid confusion and enjoy a safer travel experience.
These arrangements are part of SCR’s effort to ensure uninterrupted connectivity during Sankranthi, one of the busiest festival periods of the year. With the combination of extra trains, shifted terminals, and additional halts, passengers will have more flexibility and convenience while traveling across the South Railway zone.
The festival season usually sees heavy traffic in and out of major cities, particularly Hyderabad, which is a hub for travelers heading to Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Maharashtra. SCR’s proactive planning aims to reduce delays and make the journey as smooth as possible.
In addition to the special trains, the railway has requested passengers to book tickets in advance due to high demand. Travelers are also advised to arrive at stations early to avoid last-minute rush and follow COVID-19 and safety protocols while traveling.
SCR’s announcement of 150 extra trains reflects the commitment to meet passenger needs during peak travel seasons. The special arrangements, including temporary station halts, train suspensions, and shifts to alternate terminals, are aimed at ensuring efficient train operations and comfortable travel.
Passengers can expect faster boarding, less congestion, and better connectivity between cities during the Sankranthi festival, thanks to these measures. The railway authorities have also emphasized the importance of cooperation from travelers to maintain a smooth flow of operations across the network.