Hyderabad, Jan 08, 2026

With the Sankranthi festival approaching, the South Central Railway (SCR) has taken proactive measures to manage the anticipated surge in passenger traffic across the Southern Railway zone. According to A. Sridhar, Chief Public Relations Officer (CPRO) of SCR, the railway has announced 150 special trains in addition to the regular services, ensuring that commuters traveling to popular destinations in Coastal Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, and other regions have sufficient connectivity during the festival season.

The festival of Sankranthi, celebrated across the South and other parts of India, is traditionally marked by family gatherings, pilgrimages, and regional travel, leading to a significant increase in demand for train services. Recognizing the seasonal surge, SCR has planned special trains from key stations such as Hyderabad, Narsapuram, Kakinada, Srikakulam, and Visakhapatnam, facilitating direct access to coastal towns and pilgrimage centers.

Additional Services to Coastal Andhra and Maharashtra

Speaking to news agencies, CPRO Sridhar highlighted the high demand from Hyderabad to Coastal Andhra Pradesh, prompting SCR to add connecting trains from stations like Narsapuram, Kakinada, Srikakulam, and Vizag. These additions aim to accommodate thousands of festival travelers heading to coastal regions for family visits, cultural celebrations, and temple pilgrimages.

Beyond Andhra Pradesh, SCR has also extended special services from Tirupati, Shirdi, Nanded, and other important stations in Maharashtra, ensuring that devotees can reach popular religious destinations conveniently during the festive period. The initiative reflects a broader commitment by SCR to maintain smooth passenger movement across multiple states, balancing demand with operational capacity.

In total, SCR will continue to operate over 600 regular trains throughout the festival season, connecting key destinations in the North, East, and South regions of India. The combination of regular services and special trains is designed to provide flexible options for passengers while minimizing overcrowding and delays.

Managing Station Congestion Amid Redevelopment

Sridhar cautioned passengers about potential congestion at Secunderabad railway station, which is currently undergoing extensive redevelopment works. “There is a huge rush expected at Secunderabad railway station. Moreover, ongoing redevelopment works may create inconvenience for passengers entering the station,” he said.

To alleviate crowding and streamline operations, SCR has implemented a strategy of shifting some trains from Secunderabad to alternate terminals, including Charlapalli, Kacheguda, and Lingampalli. Certain trains have been permanently moved to these stations, while others have been shifted temporarily during the peak festival season to balance passenger flow across the city.

Sridhar further elaborated on the city-wide measures: “We have high-tech areas and rapidly growing suburbs in the western part of Hyderabad. Considering the festival traffic, we have suspended 16 regular mail and express trains temporarily. Additionally, several special trains have been scheduled to halt at strategic stations, including Charlapalli, Secunderabad, Begumpet, High Tech City, and Lingampalli, enabling passengers from across the city to access trains from their nearest stations.”

These operational adjustments are intended to distribute passenger load evenly and minimize overcrowding at major hubs, especially during peak travel hours. SCR officials are also coordinating with station staff to provide adequate signage, crowd management systems, and information desks for travelers navigating stations under renovation.

Passenger Advisory and Digital Updates

In line with these measures, SCR has urged passengers to plan their journeys in advance and check for schedule updates before traveling. Special trains, temporary halts, and diversions are being updated regularly on the SCR website and mobile applications to ensure travelers have access to real-time information.

Passengers are also encouraged to book tickets early, especially for trains connecting major pilgrimage sites and popular festival destinations. Given the significant number of special services and ongoing station redevelopment, advance planning is expected to reduce last-minute crowding and waiting times.

To enhance convenience, SCR has implemented digital ticketing options, allowing passengers to check train schedules, availability, and platform information through official apps and websites. The emphasis on digital services is particularly important for stations with ongoing construction work, where physical signage and counters may be temporarily limited.

Safety and Crowd Management Measures

SCR is also prioritizing safety measures at stations during the festival season. Additional staff, including ticket inspectors, crowd controllers, and security personnel, have been deployed to manage passenger inflow and ensure adherence to safety protocols. Fire safety and emergency response teams have been instructed to be on standby at high-traffic stations such as Secunderabad, Kacheguda, and Lingampalli.

Furthermore, coordination with local police and traffic authorities has been enhanced to manage last-mile connectivityand reduce congestion around station entrances and parking areas. Commuters are being advised to follow instructions from station authorities, maintain orderly queues, and allow extra travel time due to the festive rush.

Special Measures for Connectivity Across Regions

The special trains announced by SCR not only cater to the festival rush in Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra but also strengthen connectivity to northern and eastern India. This ensures that passengers traveling longer distances can access reliable and convenient train services without excessive delays.

The 150 special trains cover a mix of express, mail, and passenger services, tailored to meet diverse travel needs. Long-distance travelers, regional commuters, and pilgrims are all being accommodated through these additions, reflecting SCR’s comprehensive approach to festival season planning.

Sridhar emphasized that flexibility and adaptability are key components of SCR’s strategy this year. “We are continuously monitoring passenger demand and traffic patterns,” he said. “If necessary, additional services will be introduced, and schedules will be adjusted to ensure smooth operations across the network.”

Looking Ahead

As the Sankranthi festival approaches, SCR’s announcements are expected to reassure travelers that the railway administration is taking proactive steps to meet the seasonal surge in demand. By combining special trains, temporary diversions, strategic halts, and digital information updates, the railway is aiming to provide a safe, convenient, and efficient travel experience for passengers across the Southern Railway zone and beyond.

SCR has also emphasized the importance of public cooperation. Passengers are requested to remain patient during peak hours, adhere to safety instructions, and make use of alternate stations if necessary. With these measures in place, SCR hopes to minimize disruption, manage high passenger volumes, and facilitate smooth movement during one of the busiest travel periods of the year.

In conclusion, the announcement of 150 special trains, the continuation of 600 regular services, and the strategic management of stations under redevelopment reflect South Central Railway’s commitment to ensuring festival-ready rail connectivity. Travelers are encouraged to stay informed, plan ahead, and utilize the extensive range of services offered to make their Sankranthi travel safe and convenient.