Pongala: elaborate arrangements by railways for devotees

In order to facilitate safe and convenient travel for passengers during the Pongala Mahotsavam at Attukal Bhagavathi Temple on March 3, comprehensive arrangements have been made by the Southern Railway. These include the operation of special train services, provision of additional stoppages, augmentation of ticketing facilities, and strengthening of security arrangements.

On the day of Attukal Pongala, passenger movement at Thiruvananthapuram Central railway station will be streamlined. Trains bound towards Kollam will depart from platforms 1, 2, 3 and 4, while trains towards Nagercoil will depart from platform 5, thereby facilitating safe and easy passenger movement, said the railways in a statement here on Monday. To ensure easy ticketing, additional ticket counters will be opened at entry and exit points. Unreserved Ticketing System (UTS) and UTS-on-Mobile QR code counters will also be arranged on platforms at Thiruvananthapuram Central.

Security arrangements have also been strengthened with enhanced crowd-control measures and regulated platform access. The Railway Protection Force (RPF), in coordination with the Government Railway Police (GRP), local police and other authorities, will actively monitor and manage passenger safety. Special teams comprising medical, commercial and security personnel will be deployed at key locations to provide immediate assistance and ensure a hassle-free journey.

For the convenience of passengers, additional train services will be operated between Ernakulam Junction and Thiruvananthapuram Central, and between Thiruvananthapuram Central and Nagercoil Junction. Selected trains will also be provided with additional stoppages to facilitate travel for pilgrim passengers.

Special trains

Train No. 06121 Thiruvananthapuram Central-Nagercoil Junction Unreserved Special will leave Thiruvananthapuram Central at 8.55 p.m. on March 2, and arrive at Nagercoil at 11.20 p.m. the same day. It will have stoppages at Neyyattinkara, Parassala, Kulitthurai and Eraniel. Train No. 06122 Nagercoil Junction-Thiruvananthapuram Central Unreserved Special will leave Nagercoil at 1.40 a.m. on March 3 and arrive at Thiruvananthapuram Central at 3.30 a.m.

Train No. 06123 Ernakulam Junction-Thiruvananthapuram Central Special will depart from Ernakulam Junction at 1.20 a.m. on March 3 and arrive at Thiruvananthapuram Central at 6.30 a.m. Train No. 06124 Thiruvananthapuram Central-Ernakulam Junction Special will depart from Thiruvananthapuram Central at 3.10 p.m. and arrive at Ernakulam Junction at 8.15 p.m.

Train No. 06124 Thiruvananthapuram Central-Ernakulam Junction Unreserved Express Special via Alappuzha will depart from Thiruvananthapuram Central at 2.40 p.m on March 3, and arrive Ernakulam Junction at 7.10 p.m. Additional stops were also provided for various trains at different stations in connection with the travel arrangement.

Guidelines for pilgrims

Pongala hearths are strictly prohibited within railway premises for safety reasons. Sitting or crowding on platforms and Foot Over Bridges (FOBs) will not be allowed to ensure safety. Crossing railway tracks is also strictly forbidden; passengers must use Foot Over Bridges to move between platforms. Passengers are also requested to follow the instructions of RPF, police and railway officials to ensure safe and smooth movement, said a statement.