To facilitate safe and comfortable travel for passengers during Pongala Mahotsavam at Attukal Bhagavathi Temple on March 3, Southern Railway has made comprehensive arrangements. These include operating special train services, providing additional stops, expanding ticketing facilities and strengthening security measures.
On the day of Attukal Pongala, passenger movement will be streamlined at Thiruvananthapuram Central Railway Station. Kollam bound trains will depart from platforms 1, 2, 3 and 4 while Nagercoil bound trains will depart from platform 5, facilitating safe and easy movement of passengers, the railways said in a statement here on Monday. To ensure easy ticket sales, additional ticket counters will be opened at the entry and exit points. Unreserved Ticketing System (UTS) and UTS-on-Mobile QR code counters will also be arranged at the platforms in Thiruvananthapuram Central.
Security measures have also been strengthened with better crowd control measures and regulated access to the platform. The Railway Protection Corps (RPF) will actively monitor and manage passenger safety in coordination with the Government Railway Police (GRP), local police and other authorities. Special teams of medical, commercial and security personnel will be deployed at key locations to provide immediate assistance and ensure a smooth journey.
Additional train services will be operated between Ernakulam Junction and Thiruvananthapuram Central and between Thiruvananthapuram Central and Nagercoil Junction for the convenience of passengers. In addition, selected trains will be provided with additional stops to facilitate travel for pilgrims.
Special trains
Train No. 06121 Thiruvananthapuram Central-Nagercoil Junction Unreserved Special will depart Thiruvananthapuram Central at 20:55 on March 2 and arrive Nagercoil at 23:20 on the same day. It will have stops at Neyyattinkara, Parassala, Kulitthurai and Eraniel. Train No. 06122 Nagercoil Junction-Thiruvananthapuram Central Unreserved Special will depart Nagercoil at 1:40 AM on March 3 and arrive Thiruvananthapuram Central at 3:30 AM
Train No. 06123 Ernakulam Junction-Thiruvananthapuram Central Special will depart from Ernakulam Junction at 1:20 pm on March 3 and arrive at Thiruvananthapuram Central at 6:30 am Train No. 06124 Thiruvananthapuram Central-Ernakulam Junction Central and arrive at Thiruvananthapuram Central Special and arrive at Thiruvananthapuram Central at 6:30 pm on 20:15
Train No. 06124 Thiruvananthapuram Central-Ernakulam Junction Unreserved Express Special Via Alappuzha will depart Thiruvananthapuram Central at 2:40 PM on March 3 and arrive Ernakulam Junction at 7:10 PM. Additional stops for various trains at various stations have also been provided in connection with the route arrangements.
Guidelines for Pilgrims
Pongala bonfires are strictly prohibited on the railway premises for safety reasons. Sitting or pushing on platforms and Foot Over Bridge (FOB) will not be permitted for safety reasons. It is also strictly forbidden to cross railway tracks; passengers must use Foot Over Bridges to move between platforms. Passengers are also requested to follow the instructions of RPF, police and railway officials to ensure safe and smooth movement, the statement said.
Published – 16 Feb 2026 22:56 IST