Sabarimala special trains Narsapur-Kollam-Narsapur (via. Vijayawada, Tenali)
Train 07217/07218 Narsapur-Kollam-Narsapur Sabarimalai Special Trains (via. Vijayawada, Tenali, Renigunta, Melpakkam – 02 services):
Train No. 07217 Narsapur -Kollam special train will depart Narsapur at 00.45 hrs on 31st December, 2025 and arrive Kollam at 06.50 hrs on the next day.
In the return direction, Train No. 07218 Kollam-Narsapur special train will depart Kollam at 10.00 hrs on 1st January, 2025 arrive Narsapur at 13.15 hrs on the next day.
Enroute, these special trains will stop at Palakollu, Viravasaram, Bhimavaram, Bhimavaram Town, Akivedu, Kaikalur, Gudivada, Vijayawada, Tenali, Nidubrolu, Bapatla, Chirala, ongole, Kavali, Nellore, Gudur, Venkatagiri, Sri Kalahasti, Renigunta, Tiruttani, Katpadi, Vaniyambadi,Jolarpettai, Salem, Erode, Tiruppur, Coimbatore, Palakkad, Ottapalam, Thrisur, Aluva, Ernakulam Town, Kottayam, Chengancheri, Tiruvalla, Chengannur, Mavelikara and Kayankulam stations in both the directions.
Note: Advance Reservations for these special trains will commence from 08:00 hrs of Monday i.e., 4th November, 2025.
Here’s the detailed status for the Narsapur–Kollam Sabarimala Special trains (round trip) operated via Vijayawada and Tenali, based on the 2024–25 pilgrimage season—the most recent publicly confirmed schedule:
Contents
🚂 Train Nos. 07217 / 07218 – Narsapur ↔ Kollam Sabarimala Special Fare Service
07217: Narsapur → Kollam
- Departure from Narsapur at approx. 23:50 hrs, arriving at Kollam by ~06:30 hrs on the second day after ~1,376 km journey across 41 stops, covering Vijayawada at ~03:40, Tenali ~04:43, and Renigunta ~13:00 hrs. Stop durations include 20 min at Guntur and Renigunta, others are brief halts.
07218: Kollam → Narsapur
- Returns with 10:00 hrs departure from Kollam, reaching Narsapur around ~13:45 hrs on Day 2, using the reverse route via Kayamkulam, Vijayawada, and Tenali. Journey takes ~32 hours (~1,541 km).
🗓️ Typical Operation & 2025 Outlook
- These specials were operated once or twice per pilgrimage season, typically in January 2025 (e.g. Jan 20 & 27 outbound from Narasapur, and Jan 22 & 29 return from Kollam).
- As of mid-2025, no official schedule yet released for the 2025–26 Sabarimala season, but similar services are likely to recur from September–October 2025 announcements. No listing yet suggests they haven’t been confirmed.
⚠️ Operational Experience & Traveler Feedback
- Special Fare (0-series) trains carry low operational priority, causing frequent long delays—often 5–10+ hours, especially at containers like Renigunta, Guntur, or major junctions.
- Onboard services are minimal: no pantry cars, bedrolls, linen, or guaranteed cleanliness. Passengers often carry food, bedding, and water.
📋 Summary Table
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Train Numbers | 07217 (Narasapur → Kollam), 07218 (Kollam → Narasapur) |
| Route via | Narasapur → Vijayawada → Tenali → Gudur → Renigunta → Katpadi → Coimbatore → Kottayam → Kayamkulam → Kollam |
| Distance / Duration | ~1,376 km / ~32 hours outbound; ~1,376 km / ~32 hours return |
| Recent Operation | Jan 2025 dates (e.g. 20 & 27 Jan from Narasapur; return 22 & 29 Jan) |
| Amenity Notes | No catering or linen; delays frequent with low priority scheduling |
| 2025–26 Status | Not yet scheduled; updates expected around Sept–Oct 2025 |
✅ Alternative Options for Travel via Vijayawada–Kollam Corridor
- Sabari Express (17229/17230) runs daily between Hyderabad/Secunderabad and Thiruvananthapuram, stopping at Kollam—it provides full amenities, better punctuality, and higher train priority
- Kollam–Tirupati Express (17421/17422) is a regular bi-weekly service from March 2025, featuring LHB coaches, onboard catering, and better reliability—a recommended option for pilgrims.
Would you like assistance to:
- Track seat availability or booking for upcoming 07217/07218 runs during late-2025?
- Compare reliable alternatives such as Sabari Express or Kollam–Tirupati Express for this route?
- Monitor real-time status updates via apps like NTES or Where Is My Train, or IRCTC’s official portal?