Date:15/11/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/11/15/stories/2008111554250400.htm

Kerala - Thiruvananthapuram

Railway steps for pilgrimage

Staff Reporter

Special reservation centre at Pampa

More ticket counters at stations
Additional staff at information counters

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Railways have made elaborate arrangements to ensure a smooth and hassle-free journey for the Sabarimala pilgrims during the ensuing Mandala-Makaravilakku season.

For the benefit of the pilgrims, a special computerised passenger reservation centre will function at Pampa. Steps will be taken to open additional booking/reservation counters at all the important stations of the Thiruvananthapuram division during the season. Additional unreserved ticket counters will function at Chengannur, Kottayam and Ernakulam during the annual pilgrimage season. Reservation offices have been strengthened and additional staff deputed from other stations to man the additional counters.

Additional staff will be posted at the information counters. The railway staff who can speak more languages will also be posted. The Railway Protection Force will deploy additional personnel for security and for assisting the pilgrims coming from various States.

A special task force led by the Senior Divisional Commercial Manager and comprising commercial inspectors and supervisors will be camping at Kottayam during the peak days from January 14 to 16. The flow of traffic will be monitored and more coaches will be attached to important trains to clear the rush of pilgrims.