CHENNAI: The Southern Railway operated 374 trips of 69 special trains over the last two months during festivals/holidays and for Sabarimala pilgrims to major destinations across Tamil Nadu, Kerala and other neighbouring states, said a press release.

To clear the extra rush of passengers 36 special trains operated during the Pongal and 33 special trains were operated for Sabarimala.

For the convenience of Sabarimala pilgrims, special trains are operated from/to Kollam and Kottayam (stations in close proximity to Sabarimala) connecting major destinations such as Bengaluru, Charlapalli, Narsapur, Hyderabad, Visakhapatnam, Nanded, and also between Hubballi–Thoothukudi, Mysuru–Thoothukudi, Kannur–Bengaluru, among others.

A total of 46 intra-zonal special trains are being operated from Chennai to various destinations including Tiruchy, Tirunelveli, Sengottai, Nagercoil, Rameswaram, Kanniyakumari and Podanur. Additionally, the periodicity of 29 regular trains was extended to ease passenger congestion during festivals.

Passengers can obtain details regarding train numbers, routes and timings of the special trains through the official Indian Railways website, National Train Enquiry System (NTES) and IRCTC, added the release.