Date:02/03/2007 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2007/03/02/stories/2007030200880200.htm

Kerala - Thiruvananthapuram

Safety instructions issued

Staff Reporter

Thiruvananthapuram: The Southern Railway has issued special safety instructions to devotees who are expected to turn out in lakhs for the Attukal Pongala festival on Saturday.

Passengers should avoid travelling on footboards and roofs of trains to avoid contact with overhead electrical equipment. Devotees should avoid trespassing railway tracks for their own safety. As highly inflammable oil tanks are preserved at stations and electric installations near the railway tracks, care should be taken not to light fire carelessly near the tracks.

Special counters

The Southern Railway has arranged for special counters to issue tickets on the day. Security arrangements have been made to regulate traffic flow at Thiruvananthapuram Central station.

Sufficient number of Railway Protection Force personnel will also be deployed at the station, an official release issued here said. Special trains will be provided, apart from additional stoppages and coaches for important trains.