Indian Railways has launched a coordinated series of seven special trains connecting Kanniyakumari, Chennai and Coimbatore with Banaras to ensure smooth travel for participants attending Kashi Tamil Sangamam 4.0, the cultural festival celebrating civilizational ties between Tamil Nadu and Kashi.

The special services aim to provide seamless long-distance connectivity, timely arrivals and enhanced travel comfort for thousands expected to take part in the multi-day immersion programme.

Staggered Departures to Manage Large-Scale Participation

The first service began with a special train departing from Kanyakumari on 29 November 2025, setting the stage for a well-phased travel plan. A second train was operated from Chennai on 2 December, marking the festival’s commencement day.

Additional services have been scheduled from Coimbatore on 3 December, Chennai on 6 December, Kanyakumari on 7 December, Coimbatore on 9 December, and finally a concluding departure from Chennai on 12 December 2025. Together, these seven trains form a structured network of festival-bound services designed to accommodate participants from Tamil Nadu’s major originating points.

Return Services Ensuring Smooth Homeward Travel

To complement the onward journeys, Indian Railways has also arranged a matching set of seven special return trains from Banaras. These include return trips to Kanyakumari on 5 and 13 December, to Chennai on 7, 11 and 17 December, and to Coimbatore on 9 and 15 December 2025. The meticulous scheduling of both forward and return services ensures that attendees experience hassle-free travel throughout the festival period.

Strengthening Linguistic and Cultural Ties

Kashi Tamil Sangamam 4.0, which begins today, continues the initiative of celebrating and reviving ancient cultural linkages between the Tamil-speaking regions and Kashi. The theme of this edition, “Let Us Learn Tamil – Tamil Karkalam,” places special emphasis on linguistic exchange.

Tamil learning programmes in Varanasi schools, educational tours for students from the Kashi region to Tamil Nadu, and the symbolic Sage Agastya Vehicle Expedition from Tenkasi to Kashi are central highlights.

Collaborative Effort Across Ministries and Institutions

Anchored by the Ministry of Education, with IIT Madras and Banaras Hindu University serving as core academic partners, the event is supported by ten ministries including the Ministry of Railways. It brings together students, artisans, spiritual leaders, teachers, scholars and cultural practitioners, creating a vibrant platform for sharing traditional knowledge, cultural practices and lived experiences.

Railways’ Vital Role in National Cultural Integration

By operating these special trains and backing the festival’s extensive itinerary, Indian Railways is reinforcing the spirit of Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat, fostering deeper connections between diverse regions. The network of dedicated services not only supports the movement of thousands of participants but also symbolizes the shared heritage that binds Tamil Nadu and Kashi.

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