Southern Railway Rolls Out Extensive Festival Arrangements at Thiruvananthapuram Central
In preparation for the massive influx of devotees during the Attukal Pongala festival, Southern Railway has implemented a series of detailed special arrangements at Thiruvananthapuram Central railway station. These measures are designed to ensure smooth operations and passenger safety amidst the heavy rush and ongoing station redevelopment works.
Parking and Entry Regulations
Parking at the station has been strictly regulated from Sunday to Tuesday to accommodate the festival crowd. Authorities have announced that the second entrance on Power House Road remains completely closed due to construction activities. Passengers, especially pilgrims, are advised to use alternative entry points:
- The main entrance at Thampanoor
- The parcel office and premium parking entrance
- The underpass near Thycaud Women and Children's Hospital overbridge
Platform Operations and Train Services
On Tuesday, specific platform allocations have been made to streamline train movements. Trains heading towards Kollam Junction will depart from platforms 1 to 4, while services bound for Nagercoil will operate from platform 5. To prevent overcrowding, entry to platforms will be controlled through three temporary covered holding areas.
For ticket purchases, additional counters have been set up near these holding areas for unreserved tickets. Passengers will be allowed to proceed to platforms according to train schedules, with reserved ticket holders granted direct access through the main entrance portico.
Special Train Stoppages and Services
To ease congestion, temporary one-minute stoppages have been arranged at Thiruvananthapuram Pettah station for several major trains, including:
- Thiruvananthapuram Central–Hazrat Nizamuddin Rajdhani Express
- Vande Bharat Express
- Chennai-bound superfast services
- Select express trains
Additionally, Railways will operate special unreserved trains to facilitate devotee movement, including services between Thiruvananthapuram Central and Nagercoil Junction, and between Ernakulam Junction and Thiruvananthapuram via Kottayam and Alappuzha.
Exit Arrangements and Medical Preparedness
Between 2pm and 4pm on Pongala day, special exit arrangements will be implemented for passengers arriving on Jan Shatabdi, Vande Bharat, and Intercity Express trains. The Thiruvananthapuram division's medical branch has deployed four fully equipped medical aid posts at key locations within the station premises.
These posts will be staffed by senior doctors, nursing personnel, and members of the St John Ambulance Brigade. Emergency resources including three ambulances, emergency medicines, oxygen concentrators, wheelchairs, and stretchers will be kept on standby to address any medical needs.
Safety Regulations and Passenger Advisory
Railway authorities have issued strict prohibitions to ensure safety during the festival period. Lighting Pongala hearths anywhere within railway premises is strictly forbidden. Additionally, sitting or gathering on platforms and foot overbridges, as well as crossing railway tracks, are banned activities.
Passengers are strongly urged to follow all instructions issued by the Railway Protection Force, police personnel, and railway officials to ensure smooth and safe travel during this period of heightened festival activity. These comprehensive arrangements reflect Southern Railway's commitment to managing the significant passenger volume while maintaining operational efficiency and safety standards.
