Indian Railways has launched seven special trains from Tamil Nadu to Banaras to support large-scale participation in Kashi Tamil Sangamam 4.0. The trains are operating from Kanniyakumari, Chennai and Coimbatore to ensure smooth and timely travel for people attending the cultural event.
The first special train left from Kanniyakumari on November 29. Another train departed from Chennai on December 2. The remaining services will run from Coimbatore on December 3, Chennai on December 6, Kanniyakumari on December 7, Coimbatore on December 9, and Chennai on December 12. In total, seven special trains will operate in a phased schedule.
To manage return travel, Railways has also scheduled special trains from Banaras. These include return services to Kanniyakumari on 5 December, Chennai on 7 December, and Coimbatore on 9 December. Additional return trains will run to Chennai on 11 December, Kanniyakumari on 13 December, Coimbatore on 15 December, and Chennai again on 17 December.
Kashi Tamil Sangamam 4.0, which begins on December 2, focuses on the theme “Let Us Learn Tamil – Tamil Karkalam,” promoting cultural and linguistic exchange between Tamil Nadu and Kashi. The programme includes Tamil learning activities in Varanasi schools, study tours for students from the Kashi region to Tamil Nadu, and the Sage Agastya Vehicle Expedition from Tenkasi to Kashi.
The event is organised by the Ministry of Education, with IIT Madras and Banaras Hindu University as key knowledge partners. Ten ministries, including Railways, are involved. Participants include students, artisans, teachers, scholars, spiritual leaders and cultural practitioners from both regions.
According to Railways Ministry, operation of these seven special trains is aimed at supporting the event and strengthening the cultural relationship between Tamil Nadu and Kashi under the broader vision of Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat.
