Image Source: The Daily Jagran
As the festive season of Onam approaches, travel between Bengaluru and Kerala is set to see a significant surge. To ease the travel rush and facilitate smoother journeys for festival-goers returning home, Indian Railways has introduced an additional special train, while the Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) is launching 90 extra bus services. These measures are designed to enhance connectivity and provide much-needed relief to travelers during this peak period.
Key Highlights of Bengaluru-Kerala Travel Arrangements for Onam
Indian Railways announced a new special train service operating between SMVT Bengaluru and the Malabar region (Mangaluru and beyond). Train number 06004 departs Bengaluru at 3:50 pm on Mondays, reaching Mangaluru by 7:30 am the next day, while train 06003 leaves Mangaluru at 11 pm on Sundays arriving in Bengaluru at 2:30 pm.
This newly added service will halt at ten key stations across Kerala including Palakkad, Shoranur, Tirur, Kozhikode, Vadakara, Thalassery, Kannur, Payyanur, Kanhangad, and Kasaragod, covering important Onam travel destinations.
This train complements earlier Onam specials to Kochuveli (Thiruvananthapuram North) and is expected to provide relief for passengers traveling closer to the festival dates, as prior services were considered too early.
Ticket bookings for the special train started at 8 am on August 30, giving travelers ample time to plan their journeys.
The South Western Railway is operating two special trains to South Kerala, while the Southern Railway is now increasing capacity for Malabar-bound travelers.
To accommodate the expected rise in road travel, KSRTC is introducing 90 additional special buses over and above its regular fleet. These buses will ply on multiple routes between Bengaluru and various Kerala towns.
Extra bus services focus on priority routes experiencing high demand, aiming to reduce overcrowding and maintain punctuality.
KSRTC also plans special late-night and early-morning services catering to passengers who prefer road travel during off-peak hours.
The buses are equipped with comfortable seating and high safety standards for a pleasant travel experience.
Travel Tips and Precautions for Onam Journeys
Passengers booking train tickets are advised to finalize travel plans early due to limited seats available on special trains.
Online booking and e-ticketing through official portals are encouraged to avoid last-minute hassles.
Travelers opting for bus journeys should check schedules and boarding points ahead of time and arrive early at bus stations.
Weather conditions, especially monsoon rains, may affect road journeys, so travel with necessary precautions.
Passengers are reminded to abide by COVID-19 safety protocols including mask-wearing and social distancing as per government guidelines.
It is advisable to avoid peak travel hours when possible and keep ticket and ID proofs handy for smooth verification.
Impact and Expectations
The introduction of an additional train and expanded bus services is expected to significantly ease congestion on the Bengaluru-Kerala corridor.
This initiative supports the smooth movement of lakhs of migrant workers, students, and families who travel home to celebrate the traditional harvest festival of Onam with loved ones.
Railway officials and KSRTC authorities have coordinated logistics to ensure seamless integration between train and bus schedules for last-mile connectivity.
Authorities have set up helplines and customer support centers to assist travelers with enquiries and assistance.
Future Plans and Overall Connectivity Boost
Recognizing growing travel demand during festivals, rail and road operators continue to explore options for increased capacity and infrastructure upgrades.
Efforts are underway to modernize railway stations and bus terminals along popular routes, improving traveler amenities.
Digitization initiatives aim to enhance real-time travel updates, ticket management, and customer engagement.
Conclusion
With the addition of a new special train service and 90 extra KSRTC buses on the Bengaluru-Kerala route, Onam 2025 travel is set to be more convenient and comfortable. These proactive measures cater effectively to the seasonal passenger surge, underscoring government commitment to facilitating cultural celebrations and economic activity through robust transportation support.
Sources: English Mathrubhumi, Onmanorama, Kerala Kaumudi, Deccan Herald
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