Ebenezer News Explainer DeskExplainers are written from our published summary and its cited sources, then checked against them.18 Oct 2026, 06:15 amUpdated 1h ago4 min readIndiaIndia
Special train services for Dasara festival explained
The South Western Railway is running unreserved DEMU special trains between Arsikere and Mysuru from October 19 to 21. These services aim to manage the increased number of passengers traveling during the Dasara festival.
Special trains for Dasara
The South Western Railway announced the operation of unreserved DEMU special trains to accommodate the festive rush. These services will run for three days to ensure smoother travel for those visiting during the Dasara period.
Train No. 06223 will depart Arsikere at 2.30 p.m. and arrive in Mysuru at 7 p.m. The train is composed of eight coaches to carry passengers.
In the return direction, Train No. 06224 will depart Mysuru at 7.30 p.m. The train will reach Arsikere at 11.45 p.m. on the same days.
These trains are unreserved, meaning passengers can board without needing a specific seat reservation. This is intended to provide flexibility for travelers during the busy festival season.
Why this matters for travelers
Festivals often lead to a significant surge in passenger numbers as people travel to visit family or attend celebrations. Providing additional transport options helps reduce overcrowding on regular services and ensures that more people can reach their destinations comfortably.
Passengers traveling between Arsikere and Mysuru.
Travelers visiting during the Dasara festival period.
Commuters relying on unreserved train services.
Individuals needing transport between October 19 and 21.
Residents of towns located along the route.
This initiative is particularly important for those living in smaller towns along the route. By providing multiple stops, the railway ensures that local communities gain direct access to the festive connectivity.
How we got here
Railways in India frequently introduce special services during peak festival seasons to handle high demand. These adjustments are part of standard operational protocols managed by regional railway zones to optimize passenger movement.
When passenger volume exceeds the capacity of regular scheduled trains, railway authorities assess the need for temporary additions. This is a common practice to prevent long wait times and platform congestion.
By adding extra coaches or dedicated special trains, the authorities aim to maintain efficiency across the network. This process involves coordinating schedules and stops to ensure that the increased traffic does not disrupt regular train operations.
What happens next
Passengers are encouraged to plan their travel using these special services during the specified dates. Railway officials may monitor the demand to determine if such measures effectively clear the passenger rush.
Travelers should check the departure and arrival times for their specific journey.
Passengers should confirm the list of intermediate stations before boarding.
Authorities may provide further updates if there are changes to the schedule.
As the festival concludes, the railway will likely return to its standard operational schedule. Travelers should remain alert for any official announcements from the South Western Railway regarding future service adjustments.
Key facts at a glance
The special trains will operate from October 19 to 21.
The trains consist of eight coaches for passenger capacity.
Service includes stops at Habanghatta, Bageshapura, Hassan, and Mavinkere.
Additional halts include Holenarsipur, Annechakanahalli, Sravanur, Mandagere, and Birahalli.
The route also covers Akkihebbalu, Hosa Agrahara, Arjunahalli, Hampapura, and Krishnarajanagara.
Final stops include Dornahalli, Sagarkatte, Kallur Yadahalli, Krishnaraja Sagara, and Belagula.
These special train services reflect the ongoing efforts by the South Western Railway to support festive travel. Passengers are urged to make use of these services to facilitate their travel plans during the Dasara festival.
According to Dr Manjunath Kanamadi, Chief Public Relations Officer at SWR, Hubballi, these stops were carefully selected to serve the region. The railway remains committed to managing the extra rush during this period.
