Trivandrum: Southern Railway successfully facilitated the travel of nearly one lakh devotees during the grand Attukal Pongala Mahotsavam 2025 at Thiruvananthapuram with well-coordinated special arrangements, ensuring a safe and hassle-free experience for all pilgrims.
According to a press release, several measures were implemented to accommodate the large pilgrim turnout, including special train services, extra stoppages for 31 trains, dedicated platforms, and additional ticketing counters.
The second entry at Thiruvananthapuram Central Railway Station via Power House Road was opened for pilgrims, and a massive pandal setup significantly eased the movement of pilgrim passengers in a smooth and phased manner. Trains towards Nagercoil departed from Platform 1, and all trains towards Kollam were operated from Platforms 2, 3, 4, and 5. The stoppage provided for Vande Bharat Express at Thiruvananthapuram North helped passengers travel hassle-free. A special train towards Kollam at 13:40 hrs, introduced on short notice, effectively managed the post-Pongala rush.
Security was heightened to ensure the safety of passengers, with coordinated efforts from the Railway Protection Force, Government Railway Police (GRP), city local police, and civil authorities. Medical teams, St. John Ambulance Brigade counters, and medical rooms under the care of doctors at both the first and second entries provided immediate assistance to numerous pilgrims.