Railways announces steps to handle Sabarimala rush

A southern railway statement said an All-India, toll free Security Helpline on number 182 and service Help Line No 138 are already functional, which can be accessed from all phones and will be manned by staff with multi language skills. To provide security to the large number of pilgrims, Chengannur and Kottayam stations would under round-the-clock CCTV surveillance. 

Separate crime prevention and detection squads shall be posted at all busy stations and special security scheme is being implemented at Chengannur, Kottayam, Tiruvalla, Ernakulam South, Ernakulam North, Trichur, Guruvayur, Thiruvananthapuram, Kayamkulam and Kanniyakumari. A quick reaction team has been formed by RPF. 

Additional RPF strength is brought from other divisions and a company of Railway Protection Special Force from Tiruchy has already reached Sabarimala. Passenger reservation counter at Pampa will be operational from Wednesday. Special counters have been sanctioned for KSRTC, police, medical department, at Chengannur station. Prepaid Taxi counter will also be set up at Chengannur.  Special Vegetarian Catering facility will be opened there by Kudumbasree.