With a large number of devotees expected to arrive in Madurai for the Meenakshi Amman Temple consecration, Southern Railway and the Tamil Nadu Transport Department have announced additional train and bus services to manage the expected rush. The consecration is scheduled for September 17, 2026, and around seven lakh devotees are expected to visit the city for the major religious event. Scroll down to know more.
Indian Railways Announces Multiple Special Trains
According to reports by The New Indian Express, Southern Railway has announced multiple special trains between Chennai and Madurai ahead of the consecration. The Tambaram-Madurai Superfast Special will leave Tambaram at 9:40 PM on September 16 and reach Madurai at 5 AM on September 17. The return service will leave Madurai at 7 PM on September 17 and reach Tambaram at 3:20 AM the following day. It will stop at Chengalpattu, Villupuram, Virudachalam, Tiruchy and Dindigul.
Another Chennai Central-Madurai Express Special will depart Chennai Central at 4:10 PM on September 16 and arrive in Madurai at 4:30 AM on September 17. The return service will leave Madurai at 3:30 PM on September 17 and reach Chennai Central at 3:30 AM on September 18.
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Southern Railway has also announced an unreserved Chennai Beach-Manamadurai MEMU special for September 16, with the return service scheduled for September 17. The additional services are aimed at providing more travel options for devotees heading to Madurai during the consecration period.
Tamil Nadu Transport Department Announces 285 Special Buses
The Tamil Nadu Transport Department has also announced 285 special buses for Madurai on September 16 to accommodate passengers travelling for the event. Of these, 50 buses will operate from the Kalaignar Centenary Bus Terminus (KCBT) at Kilambakkam, with services being operated according to passenger demand. Another 235 buses will connect Madurai with different parts of Tamil Nadu. These include 30 buses each from Coimbatore, Tiruppur, Ramanathapuram, Sivakasi, Rajapalayam and Theni. In addition, 25 buses will operate from Aruppukottai, 10 from Virudhunagar and 20 from Dindigul.
Within the Madurai region, additional local services will also operate from Thirumangalam, Melur, Tiruppuvanam, Vadipatti, Natham, Poovandhi and Usilampatti, with 20 buses from each location. The number of buses may be increased depending on passenger demand. With trains, buses and other transport arrangements being strengthened, authorities are preparing for the large crowds expected in Madurai.
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The city has also announced traffic restrictions and other arrangements around the temple to manage movement during the consecration.
Cover Image Courtesy: Wikimedia Commons
FAQs
What is the famous temple of Madurai?
The most famous temple in Madurai is the Meenakshi Amman Temple, also known as the Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple.
What is not allowed in Meenakshi Temple?
At the Meenakshi Temple in Madurai, photography, leather items, footwear, and revealing clothing are strictly prohibited inside the complex.
What are the timings for Meenakshi Darshan in Madurai?
The Meenakshi Amman Temple in Madurai is open daily from 5:00 AM to 12:30 PM and from 4:00 PM to 9:30 PM (with evening doors sometimes extending up to 10:00 PM).
