GATEWAY OF SABARIMALA

GATEWAY OF SABARIMALA
Railways will provide maximum possible facilities for Sabarimala pilgrims at the Chengannur railway station during the Mandalam Makaravilakku festival that begins on November 16,2009
The union Minister of state for Railways had declared Chengannur railway station the 'Gate way of Sabarimala' The minister said in special task force would be posted at Chengannur during the annual pilgrim season. Anew pilgrim amenity center estimated at Rs 1 crore would be constructed on the railway station premised, besides constructing an ornamental gate at the entrance of the station complex in the back drop of its new status as' Gate way of Sabarimala Janata refreshment stall would be opened at the railway station to provide meals to Ayyappa devotees subsidized rate of Rs 10.
Minister said all trains, including special trains would be permitted to have a five- minute halt at Chengannur during the annual Sabarimala Festival. Special trains coming from Andhra Pradesh during the mandalam-makaravilakku festival would be extended up to kollam

Prof John Kurakar