Trivandrum: Railway protection force has drawn up special security arrangements in connection with Pongala festival. Additional 282 RPF cadres are drawn from adjacent divisions. Thiruvananthapuram central station is divided into 8 sectors and each sector will be under the control of a Circle Inspector. Additional manpower has been drawn from other divisions under Southern Railway All important trains will have special RPF escorts.
Additional manpower has been drawn from other divisions under Southern Railway All important trains will have special RPF escorts. The area from Nagercoil to Kayankulam will be specially watched from the point of security and all trains will have RPF escorts both in uniform and in plain clothes.
A special Security control room will be functional at Thiruvananthapuram central station. Passengers can seek help through security Helpline Number- 182.
On the day of Pongala, movement on foot over bridges at Thampanoor station will be regulated and will be in one direction only. Trains towards Nagercoil will start from Plat Form no. 2 &3. Trains towards Kollam will start from Plat Form 4 and 5. Long distance trains will be dealt on Plat Form No. 1 There will be a restriction on vehicle parking as a preventive security measure.
Additional Bomb detection squad and Dog squad has also been mobilised Additional Lighting, announcement, first aid counters will be set up. Effective coordination with state Fire Force and other agencies is maintained. Additional ticket counters will be opened at Thiruvananthapuram central and other stations as per requirement. Additional ticket checking staff will be on duty to give guidance to devotees.
SPECIAL APPEAL TO THE PASSENGERS / PILGRIMS
As the entire Railway track in Thiruvananthapuram station is electrified area, Railway would like to make a fervent appeal to the public not to place any hearth in the Railway area to avoid a possible fire hazard. Moreover, it is also requested not to make contact with the high voltage overhead traction with long pole etc. It is also requested to maintain orderliness and queue wherever it is necessary. It is also cautioned that no attempt be made to board or detrain a moving train. Pongala rituals will not be permitted on platforms and vulnerable areas.