The South Central Railway (SCR) has announced the operation of special train services connecting Kakinada Town (Andhra Pradesh) with Tiruvannamalai (Tamil Nadu) for select dates in February 2026, offering enhanced travel options for devotees and long-distance passengers during the festive season. This initiative underlines Indian Railways’ continued efforts to provide additional connectivity for travellers during peak demand periods, particularly around festival dates when pilgrim and tourist traffic surges.
The special service, designated Train No. 07617, will depart Kakinada Town Junction at 14:00 on February 14, 2026, and is scheduled to arrive at Tiruvannamalai on February 15 at approximately 06:30. Covering a distance of about 824 kilometres over 18 intermediate halts, the train offers a vital link between coastal Andhra Pradesh and the spiritual centre in Tamil Nadu, renowned for the Arunachaleswarar Temple attracting thousands of devotees.
These special services are expected to alleviate congestion on regular trains that typically fill up duringrush travel periods, offering passengers additional seating and a comfortable journey. While official pricing and coach composition details are typically made available closer to departure, such SCR special trains generally include a mix of Sleeper Class, AC of various tiers and general coaches, catering to diverse passenger needs.
The decision reflects broader Indian Railways policy to enhance rail connectivity across regions and religious circuits, responding to passenger demands and logistical planning. By introducing targeted special services like the Kakinada Town–Tiruvannamalai run, SCR aims to support seamless travel during peak periods and strengthen rail accessibility between key cultural hubs.
