Festivals are a time for families, celebrations and travel. As the festive season approaches, demand for railway tickets rises sharply as people travel to their hometowns or plan visits to popular destinations. To manage this additional rush, Indian Railways operates festive special trains on selected routes.
In 2026, Indian Railways announced more than 100 special trains for the festive season, covering several parts of the country. A recent one is the Mysuru – Rameswaram special train.
These additional services can give passengers more options when regular trains have limited availability. However, festive special trains generally run for a limited period, so check schedules and book tickets in advance.
Dasara Special Train 2026
A festive special train is an additional railway service introduced for a limited period to accommodate the increased demand during festivals. These trains may operate on routes where passenger traffic is expected to rise during occasions such as Dasara, Deepavali and Chhath Puja.
For example, South Western Railway announced special trains between Mysuru and Rameswaram during the festive period. The service was introduced to manage the additional passenger rush during festivals.
| Train Service | Details |
| Route | Mysuru – Rameswaram |
| Frequency | Weekly |
| Trips | 9 trips in each direction |
| Mysuru to Rameswaram | October 5 to November 30, 2026 |
| Rameswaram to Mysuru | October 6 to December 1, 2026 |
| Coaches | 21 coaches |
| Classes | AC 2-Tier, AC 3-Tier, Sleeper Class and General Second Class |
The Mysuru-Rameswaram special train serves key stations such as Mandya, KSR Bengaluru, Bengaluru Cantonment, Salem, Dindigul, Madurai, Manamadurai, and Ramanathapuram. The service also includes luggage and brake van facilities.
These additional services can be especially useful for passengers travelling during periods of heavy demand. Since these trains operate on specific schedules, passengers should check the route, dates, and availability before booking.
Why book with redRail
Festive travel requires advance planning, particularly when train tickets are in high demand. redRail by redBus can make the process more convenient by bringing train search and booking options together.
Here are some reasons to consider redRail for your festive journey:
- Check available trains
Search for trains based on your preferred route and travel date.
- Compare travel options
Review available trains and classes before selecting one that suits your journey.
- Plan ahead
Checking availability early can help you find suitable travel options before festive demand increases further.
- Convenient booking
Search and book your train tickets online without visiting a railway booking counter.
- Access journey details
Check relevant train and journey information while planning your trip.
Booking early is especially useful during festivals, when popular routes can see increased demand. Once you have finalised your travel dates, checking train availability in advance can make your journey planning easier.
Conclusion
Festive special trains help Indian Railways accommodate increased travel demand during major celebrations. With additional services introduced on selected routes for a limited period, passengers can get more travel options during the festive season.
Whether you are travelling home for the celebrations or planning a festive getaway, checking schedules and booking your train tickets in advance through redRail can help make your journey more organised and convenient.
