Railways Roll Out Extensive Plans for Attukal Pongala Festival Travel
In preparation for the Attukal Pongala Mahotsavam at the Attukal Bhagavathi Temple on March 3, the Indian Railways has unveiled a detailed strategy to facilitate safe and convenient travel for the thousands of devotees expected to attend. The comprehensive plan includes the operation of special train services, provision of additional stoppages, augmentation of ticketing facilities, and a significant strengthening of security arrangements across key stations.
Streamlined Operations at Thiruvananthapuram Central Station
On the festival day, passenger movement at Thiruvananthapuram Central Station will be meticulously organized to avoid congestion and ensure smooth transit. Trains bound towards Kollam will depart from platforms one, two, three, and four, while trains heading towards Nagercoil will operate from platform five. This segregation aims to enhance efficiency and reduce confusion among travelers.
To further ease the ticketing process, additional ticket counters will be opened at both entry and exit points of the station. Moreover, the railways will set up unreserved ticketing system (UTS) and UTS-on-mobile QR code counters directly on the platforms at Thiruvananthapuram Central, allowing passengers to purchase tickets quickly and conveniently without long queues.
Enhanced Security and Crowd Management Measures
Security arrangements have been significantly bolstered with enhanced crowd-control protocols and regulated platform access to maintain order and safety. The Railway Protection Force (RPF) will work in close coordination with the Government Railway Police, local police, and other authorities to monitor and manage passenger safety throughout the event. Special teams comprising medical, commercial, and security personnel will be deployed at key locations to address any emergencies and provide assistance as needed.
Special Train Services for Festival Commuters
To accommodate the increased passenger flow, additional train services will be operated on specific routes. The schedule for these special trains is as follows:
- Nagercoil Junction – Thiruvananthapuram Central Unreserved Special: Departing at 1:40 AM on March 3 and arriving at Thiruvananthapuram Central at 3:30 AM.
- Ernakulam Junction – Thiruvananthapuram Central Special: Departing at 1:20 AM on March 3 and arriving at Thiruvananthapuram Central at 6:30 AM.
- Thiruvananthapuram Central – Ernakulam Junction Special: Departing at 3:10 PM and arriving at Ernakulam Junction at 8:15 PM.
- Thiruvananthapuram Central – Ernakulam Junction Special via Alappuzha: Departing at 2:40 PM on March 3 and arriving at Ernakulam Junction at 7:10 PM.
These services are designed to provide flexible travel options for devotees commuting between Ernakulam Junction, Thiruvananthapuram Central, and Nagercoil Junction, ensuring timely and hassle-free journeys during the festive period.
By implementing these measures, the railways aim to support the spiritual celebrations while prioritizing passenger comfort and security, reflecting a commitment to efficient public service during major cultural events.
