August D’Costa says demands have been made for additional coaches, a Cansaulim halt, and improved platform arrangements to ease travel for pilgrims.
A crucial meeting regarding the operation of special trains to the renowned Velankanni shrine was held in Hubballi on May 27, during which it was decided that three special trains will operate between Vasco da Gama and Velankanni during the pilgrimage season, according to August D’Costa, a member of the Divisional Railway Users Consultative Committee nominated by South Goa MP Captain Viriato Fernandes.
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Speaking about the outcome of the meeting, D’Costa said the first special train is scheduled to depart from Vasco on August 27, while the last train will leave Velankanni on November 8.
He said the committee has requested railway authorities to schedule departures from Vasco at 9 am and from Velankanni at 11.30 pm to provide greater convenience to pilgrims travelling to the holy shrine.
D’Costa further stated that a demand has been made for a full-length train with additional newly designed coaches capable of accommodating 84 passengers per coach. The proposal aims to address the large waiting list of devotees seeking reservations for the pilgrimage.
In addition, the committee has urged railway authorities to provide a halt at Cansaulim railway station instead of Majorda to better serve devotees from Cortalim and neighbouring areas.
Another demand raised during the meeting relates to passenger safety at Vasco railway station. D’Costa said the committee has requested that the local Vasco-Kulem train be shifted to Platform No. 1 to prevent passengers from rushing across the railway foot overbridge, thereby reducing the risk of accidents during peak travel periods.
Railway authorities are expected to examine the proposals before finalising operational details for the special pilgrimage services.
