Sabarimala: Vande Bharat special trains to run between Chennai and Kottayam, check all details

The Southern Railways has announced its plan to operate a special Vande Bharat Sabari train service between Chennai Central and Kottayam, as well as a Kacheguda and Kollam Special Fare train. This decision has been prompted by the heightened passenger traffic during the Sabarimala festival season.

In an official announcement on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), the Southern Railway said, “#VandeBharat Sabari Special #trains will be operational between Dr MGR #Chennai Central - #Kottayam - Dr MGR Chennai Central."

The Vande Bharat Special with Train No. 06151, running from MGR Chennai Central to Kottayam, will depart from MGR Chennai Central at 4:30 am and arrive in Kottayam at 4:15 pm on December 15, 17, 22, and 24.

Conversely, Train No. 06152, travelling from Kottayam to Dr MGR Chennai Central, will leave Kottayam at 4:40 am on December 16, 18, 23, and 25, reaching its destination at 5:15 pm on the same day during its return journey. The train will make designated stops at stations including Katpadi, Salem, Palakkad, and Aluva.

This initiative was a result of recent mismanagement issues at the Sabarimala hill shrine due to a sudden surge in pilgrims. The Mandalam-Makaravilakku season commenced on November 17, known for experiencing a substantial influx of devotees during this period.

Opposition parties such as the BJP and Congress criticised the Kerala government for the management issues. However, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan defended the government's position on December 13, asserting that the situation at the Lord Ayyappa shrine in Sabarimala was under control, and the government was diligently addressing temple matters.