Kochi: The Railways would operate 420 special trains for the benefit of devotees coming from various parts of the country to the famous hill shrine at Sabarimala for the `Makaravilakku` festival, Union minister of state for railways, E Ahamed has said.
Speaking to reporters here late on Tuesday, he said the South Central and Western Railway would operate 262 trains, up from 210 last year, while the Southern Railway would run 158 special trains, compared to 138 in 2007.
Ahamed said the Kochuveli-Mangalore express would be extended to Thiruvananthapuram.
To a query, he said the Railways was according top priority to safety. "The Railway Safety Commission meets regularly and chalks out safety measures," he said.
The minister also flagged off the extended service of Thiruvananthapuram-Ernakulam intercity express to Guruvayur.
Bureau Report
