Railways Plans Crowd Management For Attukal Pongala
RAILWAYS & METRO RAIL

Railways Plans Crowd Management For Attukal Pongala

With hundreds of thousands of devotees expected to converge for the annual Attukal Pongala on March three, the railways announced arrangements at Thiruvananthapuram Central Railway Station to manage the surge in passenger traffic and ensure movement. Officials said parking at the station would be strictly regulated from March one to three and that the second entrance on the Power House Road side would remain closed owing to redevelopment works. Passengers were advised to rely on alternative entry points and to plan arrival and departure times in accordance with their travel needs.

Pilgrims and other passengers were directed to use the main entrance at Thampanoor, the parcel office or the underpass near the Thycaud Women's Hospital. The guidance included directions for those with mobility needs to approach staff at designated help points for assistance. Railways asked travellers to follow signage and instructions from station personnel to maintain orderly access.

To streamline operations on the Pongala day, trains heading towards Kollam would depart from platforms one to four while services towards Nagercoil would operate from platform five. Unreserved ticketing facilities would be arranged within holding zones and access would be managed by scheduled departure times. The arrangement aimed to reduce crowding on platforms and facilitate timed boarding that aligned with train schedules.

Reserved ticket holders would be allowed direct entry through the main entrance and were encouraged to carry valid tickets for verification to expedite movement. Parking restrictions and controlled entry were intended to free space for pedestrian flow and emergency access. Staff and security personnel were to be deployed to monitor crowd density and provide directional assistance.

The railways emphasised that coordination with local authorities and clear communication at station approaches were central to the crowd management plan. Travellers were urged to cooperate with staff and to allow extra time for onward journeys during the festival period. The measures were presented as part of wider efforts to balance access for pilgrims with operational safety and punctuality.

With hundreds of thousands of devotees expected to converge for the annual Attukal Pongala on March three, the railways announced arrangements at Thiruvananthapuram Central Railway Station to manage the surge in passenger traffic and ensure movement. Officials said parking at the station would be strictly regulated from March one to three and that the second entrance on the Power House Road side would remain closed owing to redevelopment works. Passengers were advised to rely on alternative entry points and to plan arrival and departure times in accordance with their travel needs. Pilgrims and other passengers were directed to use the main entrance at Thampanoor, the parcel office or the underpass near the Thycaud Women's Hospital. The guidance included directions for those with mobility needs to approach staff at designated help points for assistance. Railways asked travellers to follow signage and instructions from station personnel to maintain orderly access. To streamline operations on the Pongala day, trains heading towards Kollam would depart from platforms one to four while services towards Nagercoil would operate from platform five. Unreserved ticketing facilities would be arranged within holding zones and access would be managed by scheduled departure times. The arrangement aimed to reduce crowding on platforms and facilitate timed boarding that aligned with train schedules. Reserved ticket holders would be allowed direct entry through the main entrance and were encouraged to carry valid tickets for verification to expedite movement. Parking restrictions and controlled entry were intended to free space for pedestrian flow and emergency access. Staff and security personnel were to be deployed to monitor crowd density and provide directional assistance. The railways emphasised that coordination with local authorities and clear communication at station approaches were central to the crowd management plan. Travellers were urged to cooperate with staff and to allow extra time for onward journeys during the festival period. The measures were presented as part of wider efforts to balance access for pilgrims with operational safety and punctuality.

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