The Railway have made elaborate arrangements to receive tens of thousands of pilgrims from different parts of the country during the two-month annual Mandalam-Makaravilakku pilgrimage season that begins tomorrow.
A southern railway statement said an All-India, toll free Security Helpline on number 182 and service Help Line No.138 is already functional, which can be accessed from all phones and will be manned by staff with multi language skills.
To provide security to the large number of pilgrims, Chengannur and Kottayam stations would under round-the-clock CCTV surveillance. Separate crime prevention and detection squad both in uniform and plain clothes shall be posted at all busy stations and Special security scheme is implemented at Chengannur, Kottayam, Tiruvalla, Ernakulam South, Ernakulam North, Trichur, Guruvayur, Thiruvananthapuram, Kayamkulam and Kanniyakumari.
A quick reaction team has been formed by RPF to handle any untoward incident. Additional RPF strength is brought from other Divisions and a company of Railway Protection Special Force from Tirucharapalli has already reached. Special Drive will be conducted against usage of stove, gas cylinders and other inflammable articles in the train and station area. Suspects and known criminals to be kept under close surveillance. Senior Officers will camp at Kottayam/Chengannur to coordinate the arrangements during the season, the statement said.
Passenger reservation counter at Pampa will be operational from tomorrow. Special counters have been sanctioned for KSRTC, Police, Medical department, at Chengannur Railway station. Pre paid Taxi counter will also be set up at Chengannur. Special Vegetarian Catering facility will be opened at Chengannur by Kudumbasree. Additional booking and reservation counters will be operated at Chengannur and Kottayam stations. Staff strength at Information counters shall be increased, and employees who can handle multiple languages would be posted there. Bathing facilities for pilgrims would be provided at Chengannur and Kottayam, the statement added.
