Scores of pilgrims flocking to Velankanni in the district from Goa and Maharashtra, to attend the 10-day annual festival of Shrine Basilica have demanded that the Southern Railway operate special trains to Mumbai on September 7 and 8, to facilitate their return journey.
Speaking to PTI at Velankanni today, Coordinator of Velankanni pilgrims association Charlie Rosario said thousands of pilgrims from Maharashtra and Goa visit the holy shrine during the festival (August 29 - September 8) every year.
"While special trains have been announced for the onward journey from Mumbai by the Western and Central Railways from Bandra and Lokmanya Tilak Terminus, the Southern Railway is silent on special trains for the return journey from Velankanni on Sep 7 and 8," said Rosario.
In the absence of an announcement about specials for the return journey, pilgrims are unable to plan their trip to the holy place, he said and added that the association had sent representations in this regard to the railway authorities several months ago.
"In 2015, special train to Mumbai from Velankanni was announced in the last minute and it was run as 'Suvidha Express' in which fares were extremely high due to high demand," Rosario blamed.
"This year, special trains should be run on ordinary fares and all coaches should have berths," he added.
Disclaimer: No Business Standard Journalist was involved in creation of this content
