Onam 2026 Special Trains From Chennai, Mangaluru & Other Cities: Check Train Numbers, Dates, Timings, Stoppage

Onam 2026 is expected to bring a major rush on trains as people travel to Kerala to celebrate the festival with their families. To manage the seasonal demand, special train services are being announced on important routes connecting southern cities with destinations in Kerala and Karnataka.

Onam 2026 Special Trains From Chennai, Mangaluru & Other Cities: Check Train Numbers, Dates, Timings and Stoppages

Among the services announced by Southern Railway, special weekly trains will operate between Dr MGR Chennai Central and Mangaluru Junction on selected dates in August 2026. These services are particularly useful for passengers travelling towards Kerala and coastal Karnataka during the Onam travel period.

Onam Special Train From Chennai To Mangaluru Via Perambur, Salem, Erode, Tiruppur, Kozhikode, Kannur and Kasaragod

Train No. 06127 Dr MGR Chennai Central-Mangaluru Junction Weekly Express Special will operate from Chennai Central on August 21 and August 28, 2026.

The train will leave Dr MGR Chennai Central at 11:50 PM. For a passenger travelling from Chennai, this means the journey starts late at night on Friday, making it convenient for people who want to travel after work.

The train will reach Mangaluru Junction at 5:00 PM the following day. The service will pass through several important stations, including Perambur, Arakkonam, Katpadi, Jolarpettai, Salem, Erode, Tiruppur, Podanur, Palakkad, Shoranur, Tirur, Kozhikode, Vadakara, Thalassery, Kannur, Payyanur, Nileshwar, Kanhangad and Kasaragod.

For passengers heading towards Kerala, the route provides access to several major towns across the state's northern and central regions.

Mangaluru To Chennai Onam Special Train

The return service will operate as Train No. 06128 Mangaluru Junction-Dr MGR Chennai Central Weekly Express Special.

According to the railway information shown in the announcement, the train will depart Mangaluru Junction at 7:15 PM on August 22 and August 29, 2026.

It will reach Dr MGR Chennai Central at 11:35 AM the next day. This gives passengers travelling back towards Chennai an evening departure from Mangaluru followed by an arrival around lunchtime the following day.

The return service will cover the same major stations in the opposite direction, including Kasaragod, Kanhangad, Nileshwar, Payyanur, Kannur, Thalassery, Kozhikode, Tirur, Shoranur, Palakkad, Podanur, Tiruppur, Erode, Salem, Jolarpettai, Katpadi and Arakkonam.

Chennai-Mangaluru Onam Special Train Timings

For someone planning the journey, the timings are relatively straightforward. Train 06127 leaves Chennai Central at 11:50 PM on Friday and reaches Mangaluru Junction at 5:00 PM on Saturday.

On the return journey, Train 06128 leaves Mangaluru Junction at 7:15 PM on Saturday and reaches Chennai Central at 11:35 AM on Sunday.

The trains are scheduled as weekly special services on the dates mentioned above, giving passengers additional options during the busy Onam travel season.

Onam Special Trains 2026 Reservation Details

Passengers planning to travel on these special trains should book tickets as early as possible because demand typically rises sharply around major festivals. The railway announcement states that advance reservation for these special trains will open at 8:00 AM on August 19, 2026.

Passengers should check their ticket details carefully before travelling, including the boarding station, train number, date and departure time.

What Is Onam? Know It's Significance

Onam is Kerala's major harvest festival and is celebrated with traditional food, cultural programmes and family gatherings. The festival is closely associated with the legend of King Mahabali, whose annual return is celebrated by Malayali communities.

One of the most recognisable traditions of Onam is Pookalam, the colourful floral decoration made outside homes. Families also prepare the traditional Onam Sadya, a large vegetarian feast served on a banana leaf.

Traditional performances, boat races, music, dance and community celebrations are also an important part of the festival. For many Malayali families living outside Kerala, Onam is an occasion to return home and celebrate with relatives, which can significantly increase demand for train and bus services.

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