Bengaluru, NFAPost: South Western Railway has decided to operate special trains for the convenience of devotees traveling to the annual festival at the Basilica of Our Lady of Good Health in Velankanni, Tamil Nadu. This major Christian pilgrimage center, also known as the “Lourdes of the East”, will host its annual festival from August 29 to September 8.
Every year, lakhs of devotees from across the country, including Goa and Karnataka, visit Velankanni during this time. To ease the passenger rush, SWR will run special trains between Vasco-Da-Gama and Velankanni for three trips in each direction. These trains aim to ensure smooth and comfortable travel for devotees attending the festival.
Train No. 07361 Vasco-Da-Gama – Velankanni Special Express will depart Vasco-Da-Gama at 21:55 hrs on 27th August, 1st September, and 6th September 2025 (Wednesday, Monday, and Saturday) to reach Velankanni at 03:45 hrs on the respective days (Friday, Wednesday, and Monday).
In the return direction, Train No. 07362 Velankanni – Vasco-Da-Gama Special Express will leave Velankanni at 23:55 hrs on 29th August, 3rd September, and 8th September 2025 (Friday, Wednesday, and Monday) and reach Vasco-Da-Gama at 03:00 hrs the following days (Sunday, Friday, and Wednesday).
The trains will stop at Madgaon, Sanvordem, Kulem, Castle Rock, Londa, Dharwad, SSS Hubballi, SMM Haveri, Davangere, Chikjajur, Birur, Arsikere, Tumakuru, SMVT Bengaluru, Krishnarajapuram, Bangarapet, Morappur, Bommidi, Salem, Namakkal, Karur, Kulitalai, Tiruchchirappalli, Thanjavur, Nidamangalam, Thiruvarur, and Nagappattinam in both directions.
The train composition will include 21 coaches, comprising 1 AC First Class, 1 AC 2-tier, 2 AC 3-tier, 11 Sleeper Class, 4 General Second Class, and 2 SLR/D coaches.
For detailed timings and booking information, passengers may visit the official Indian Railways website. Passengers should utilize the special train services.
