Delhi, December 2: A series of seven special trains was being operated between Kanniyakumari, Chennai, Coimbatore and Banaras to facilitate large-scale participation in the Kashi Tamil Sangamam 4.0, strengthening cultural bonds between the Tamil-speaking region and the ancient spiritual hub of Kashi, said an official release.

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath will jointly inaugurate the fourth edition of the Kashi–Tamil Sangamam (KTS 4.0) today in Varanasi.

According to Ministry of Railways, these special trains have been scheduled to ensure seamless travel, comfortable long-distance connectivity, and timely arrivals for participants attending the multi-day cultural immersion programme.

The services began with the first train departing from Kanyakumari on November 29. This was followed by an additional special departure from Chennai today.

The next departures are scheduled from Coimbatore on December 3, from Chennai on December 6, from Kanyakumari on December 7, from Coimbatore on December 9, and another service from Chennai on December 12. With these planned departures, a total of seven special trains will operate from Tamil Nadu’s key originating cities to Banaras in a well-coordinated and phased manner.

To ensure timely return travel, Indian Railways has arranged a series of special return services from Banaras. These include departures for Kanyakumari on December 5, Chennai on December 7, and Coimbatore on December 9, followed by additional return services scheduled for Chennai on December 11, Kanyakumari on December 13, Coimbatore on December 15, and again for Chennai on December 17.

This edition is centred on the theme “Let Us Learn Tamil – Tamil Karkalam,” promoting linguistic and cultural exchange between the two regions through Tamil learning initiatives in Varanasi schools, study tours for students from the Kashi region to Tamil Nadu, and the symbolic Sage Agastya Vehicle Expedition from Tenkasi to Kashi.