To manage the heavy passenger rush during the Makar Sankranti festival, South Central Railway (SCR) has announced the operation of around 150 special trains across key routes, mainly serving Telangana and Andhra Pradesh.
The initiative aims to ease congestion, clear waitlists, and ensure smoother travel during one of the busiest travel periods of the year. Makar Sankranti traditionally sees a surge in passengers returning home or visiting major pilgrimage centres. Additional services have been planned connecting destinations within the two Telugu states, as well as to northern, eastern, and southern parts of India. Special trains have also been arranged to major pilgrimage sites such as Tirupati and Shirdi.
SCR Chief Public Relations Officer A. Sridhar stated that more than 600 trains, including regular and special services, are being run during the festive season to meet increased demand. He noted that Secunderabad railway station, currently under redevelopment, is expected to witness a significant rush. To ease congestion, some important trains have been shifted to alternative terminals, including Charlapalli, Kacheguda, and Lingampalli, on both a permanent and temporary basis.
Passengers have been advised to plan their journeys in advance and book tickets early to avoid last-minute inconveniences. These special services highlight Indian Railways’ efforts to ensure safe and comfortable travel during the festival season.
