NE BUSINESS BUREAU
NEW DELHI, JULY 6
For lakhs of Malayalees living far from home, Onam is much more than a festival—it’s an emotional homecoming marked by family reunions, traditional feasts, floral carpets and cherished memories. Recognising this annual migration, the Ministry of Railways has announced that more than 100 special train services will soon be notified to help passengers travel to Kerala during the 2026 festive season.
- Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announces over 100 special trains for Onam 2026 to ease festive travel to Kerala.
- Move aims to help lakhs of Malayalees working and studying across India return home for the State’s biggest annual celebration.
- Special services will operate throughout the Onam season, significantly enhancing passenger capacity over last year.
- Initiative aligns with the Centre’s vision of strengthening Kerala’s railway network while ensuring safe, comfortable and hassle-free festive travel.
Making the announcement at a press conference, Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said the special services are being introduced to meet the extraordinary travel demand generated during Onam, one of Kerala’s most celebrated festivals.
The move is expected to bring major relief to thousands of families, professionals, students and migrant workers who traditionally struggle to secure confirmed train tickets during the festive rush.
“This initiative reflects our continued commitment to meeting the travel needs of the people of Kerala and helping them reach their hometowns during Onam,” the Minister said.
The ten-day Onam celebrations in 2026 will begin on August 16 and culminate with Thiruvonam on August 26, while cultural programmes, tourism activities and family gatherings continue throughout the month. To match the expected surge in passenger demand, the Railways plans to operate the special services across the entire festive period.
The announcement represents a significant increase in capacity compared to the previous year, highlighting the Ministry’s focus on making festive travel safer, more comfortable and accessible.
For Malayalees employed in metropolitan cities such as Chennai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Mumbai, Delhi and Pune, the annual journey home is often the most awaited trip of the year. The additional trains are expected to ease congestion, reduce waiting lists and improve travel convenience during one of the busiest travel seasons on the Southern Railway network.
Railway officials said the initiative also complements the Central Government’s broader vision of strengthening railway infrastructure and connectivity in Kerala while improving passenger services.
With ticket demand expected to soar in the coming weeks, the announcement has already generated excitement among Kerala-bound travellers, many of whom view the annual train journey as the beginning of their Onam celebrations.
As families prepare to welcome loved ones home, the Railways’ decision promises not just additional seats, but thousands of memorable reunions across God’s Own Country.
