India boosts festive season travel experience with the launch of Weekly Special trains

India is boosting the festive season travel experience with the launch of weekly special trains, designed to meet the increased demand during this peak travel period.

These special trains aim to cater to both holidaymakers and long-distance commuters, providing more convenient options for passengers traveling across key routes.

As the festive season brings a surge in travel, these additional trains help alleviate the pressure on regular services, offering greater comfort and flexibility.

With more people looking to reconnect with family and friends or travel for holiday purposes, these special trains will ensure a smoother journey and ease the overall travel experience.

Sambalpur – Erode – Sambalpur Weekly Special Trains

One of the highlights of this festive initiative is the Sambalpur–Erode Weekly Special Express, which will connect two distant cities—Sambalpur in Odisha and Erode in Tamil Nadu. This service aims to serve passengers traveling long distances, particularly those heading to southern India for the festive season.

• Train No. 08311 Sambalpur–Erode Weekly Special will depart from Sambalpur every Wednesday at 11:35 hrs, running until 26 November 2025.
• Train No. 08312 Erode–Sambalpur Weekly Special will leave Erode every Friday at 14:45 hrs, operating until 28 November 2025.

Key Halts in the East Coast Railway Zone

These special trains will stop at several important stations along the East Coast Railway zone, making it easier for passengers to board or alight at convenient locations. The major halts include:

• Bargarh Road
• Balangir
• Titlagarh
• Kesinga
• Muniguda
• Rayagada
• Parvathipuram
• Bobbili
• Vizianagaram Junction
• Kottavalasa
• Duvvada

These stops ensure that the train covers a wide range of towns and cities, catering to travelers from various regions within Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, and beyond.