To effectively manage the heavy passenger rush during the Makar Sankranti festival season, the South Central Railway (SCR) has announced the operation of around 150 special trains across major routes, with a special focus on Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. The initiative aims to ease congestion at railway stations, reduce waiting lists and ensure smooth and comfortable travel for lakhs of passengers during one of the busiest travel periods of the year.
Makar Sankranti is one of the most widely celebrated festivals in the Telugu states, leading to a significant increase in travel as people journey to their hometowns and religious destinations. Anticipating the surge, SCR has planned an extensive network of additional train services connecting important cities and towns within Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. In addition, special trains will operate on long-distance routes linking the region with northern, eastern and southern parts of the country.
Special Focus on Pilgrimage Routes
Apart from regular passenger demand, the festive season also witnesses a sharp rise in pilgrim traffic. To cater to this, South Central Railway has arranged special services to major pilgrimage centers such as Tirupati and Shirdi, ensuring devotees can travel conveniently during the auspicious period.
Speaking to the media, South Central Railway Chief Public Relations Officer A. Sridhar said that over 600 trains — including both regular and special services — are being operated during the festival season to handle the increased passenger load. He said the railway administration has taken comprehensive steps to monitor crowd movement and deploy additional resources wherever required.
Alternative Terminals to Reduce Congestion
A major challenge this season is the ongoing redevelopment work at Secunderabad railway station, one of the busiest junctions in the region. With a heavy passenger turnout expected, SCR has proactively diverted several important trains to alternative terminals such as Charlapalli, Kacheguda and Lingampalli. These diversions have been made on both permanent and temporary bases to reduce pressure on Secunderabad station and ensure smoother operations.
Railway officials have also enhanced passenger amenities, deployed additional staff for crowd management, and strengthened security arrangements at major stations to ensure safety and convenience.
Advisory for Passengers
SCR has advised passengers to plan their journeys in advance and book tickets early to avoid last-minute inconvenience. Travellers have also been urged to check train schedules and boarding stations carefully, especially in view of terminal changes during the festive period.
The large-scale operation of special trains highlights Indian Railways’ proactive approach to handling seasonal travel demand. By expanding capacity and improving operational planning, SCR aims to provide safe, efficient and hassle-free travel for passengers during the Makar Sankranti festivities.
