Women preparing a Pongala hearth outside the Attukal Bhagavathy Temple ahead of the annual Pongala festival in Thiruvananthapuram on Monday. | Photo credit: NIRMAL HARINDRAN
Southern Railway has made a lot of arrangements to ensure a safe, smooth and comfortable journey for all passengers and devotees during Attukal Pongala on Tuesday. Vehicle parking has been strictly regulated at Thiruvananthapuram Central Railway Station due to special Pongala measures.
On Tuesday, trains departing from Thiruvananthapuram Central towards Kollam Junction will depart from platforms 1, 2, 3 and 4, while trains towards Nagercoil will depart from platform 5. To avoid overcrowding, passenger entry to the platform will be controlled through three covered temporary holding areas. From these areas, passengers can purchase unreserved tickets and enter the platform once their trains are ready to depart.
Additional cash desks will be set up near the collection areas. Passengers with reserved tickets can enter directly through the main entrance portico. In addition, about 12 trains will have a one-minute temporary halt at Thiruvananthapuram Pettah station to call reserved passengers.
All passengers are advised that the second entrance on the Power House Road side is completely closed. After pongal, pilgrims coming from East Fort and Power House Road areas have to reach the station either through Thampanoor side, using either Residency Road Overbridge or MG Road Overbridge. Pilgrims coming from Thycaud side or via Residency Road Overbridge should proceed via New Theater Road and use the under bridge passage to enter the station premises. Passengers arriving via MG Road Overbridge and RMS (Railway Mail Service) can enter the station through the railway parcel gate opposite Hotel Chaitram or through the main entrance at Thampanoor. Devotees coming from MG Road side will be allowed to pass through the parcel office gate depending on the train movement.
After Pongal, passengers arriving by Train No. 12081 Janshatabdi, 20631 Vande Bharat and 22627 Intercity Express during peak hours between 2:00 PM and 4:00 PM will be provided smooth exit via Foot Overbridge (Middle) and Higginbothams Exit to move from the railway station.
The Health Branch, Thiruvananthapuram Division has made comprehensive arrangements to ensure the safety and well-being of all devotees and passengers. Four fully equipped medical aid stations will operate at key locations of the station, manned by senior doctors, nursing staff and members of the St. John Ambulance Brigade (SJAB). Three ambulances will remain stationed at strategic points around the station for rapid response. All health posts will be stocked with emergency drugs, oxygen concentrators, IV fluids, nebulizers, wheelchairs, stretchers, ORS, drinking water and other necessary equipment to provide immediate medical assistance whenever needed.
Safety instructions have also been issued for all passengers and devotees. Lighting of Pongal bonfires (aduppu) anywhere inside the railway premises is strictly prohibited for security reasons. The Railways further ensured the operation of five unreserved special trains, additional stops for trains and rescheduling of trains for the benefit of passengers and devotees.
Published – March 2, 2026 7:57 PM IST
