Special trains for Sankranti: Routes and timings from Bengaluru all you need to know travel news

Last updated:January 08, 2026, 17:03 IST

In total, this extension will cover 17 journeys, giving passengers consistent options during the busy festival and post-festival periods. There will be no change in timing or coach.

Every year, as Makar Sankranti approaches, railway stations across Karnataka take on a different feel. Noise increases on platforms, waiting halls fill up rapidly and long queues are seen at ticket counters.

Families fly back to their hometowns, students rush to grab the last available seat, and last-minute passengers hope for a miracle. This year that miracle has come in the form of special trains.

To manage the festive rush and make travel easier for thousands of passengers, South Western Railways has announced the extension of the Bengaluru-Bidar special train as well as special express services between Yesvantpur and Talguppa. For commuters in Shivamogga, Sagar, Tumkuru and surrounding areas, the move brings relief at a time when it is needed most.

Crowd of special trains for Sankranti

In view of the increase in passenger demand during Sankranti holidays, South Western Railways has decided to run two special express trains on select days in January. These services aim to reduce overcrowding in regular trains and give more choices to passengers during peak travel dates.

Special trains between Yesvantpur and Talguppa will run on January 13, 14, 23 and 24. These dates cover both the duration of the festival and the return rush thereafter.

Train schedule at a glance

Here is the complete schedule of special trains announced for Sankranti Yatra.

This combination of night and day gives flexibility to travelers whether they prefer an overnight or day trip.

Stations en route that will benefit

Special trains will not run only at the origin and end point. They will stop at several important stations en route, which will benefit the passengers of Central and Coastal Karnataka.

The halts include Tumakuru, Tiptur, Arasikere, Birur, Tarikere, Bhadravathi, Shivamogga Town, Anandapuram and Sagar Jambagaru.

For residents of these cities, festive travel often means relying on limited train options or crowded buses. These additional stops make the special service more accessible to a wider group of passengers.

Bengaluru-Bidar special train extended

Along with Talaguppa Special, South Western Railway has also announced the extension of special express service between SMVT Bengaluru and Bidar.

This bi-weekly service will now run for a longer period to handle the festive rush. The train from Bengaluru to Bidar will run every Friday and Sunday from January 2 to February 27. The return service from Bidar to Bengaluru will run every Saturday and Monday from January 3 to February 28.

In total, this extension will cover 17 journeys, giving passengers consistent options during the busy festival and post-festival periods. There will be no change in timings, halts or coach composition, making it easier for regular passengers to plan their journey.

Temporary changes for passengers in early January

Travelers traveling in the first week of January should take note of a small but important change.

Due to maintenance work at SMVT Bengaluru, the special train from Bidar on January 3 will terminate at Yelahanka instead of SMVT. Similarly, on January 4, the train running from Bengaluru to Bidar will also start from Yelahanka.

Railway officials have advised passengers to plan their onward journeys according to these two days to avoid last-minute confusion.

More trains, less stress for passengers

The festival season often tests the limits of the railway network. But special services like this show how the scheme can reduce the burden on both passengers and staff.

For those heading home to celebrate Sankranti, these additional trains offer much more than just extra seats. They provide mental peace. Less crowds, better chances of confirmed tickets, and journeys that feel a little less rushed. Amidst the hustle and bustle of the festival, that little comfort can make a big difference.