Visakhapatnam: In a move to cater to the convenience of Ayyappa devotees, the Waltair Division of the East Coast Railway has launched the first-ever direct special train service from Srikakulam Road to Kollam. The maiden run of the Srikakulam Road-Kollam special train commenced at 11 am on Saturday, drawing a large gathering of enthusiastic devotees.
K. Ramamohan Naidu, MP of Srikakulam, graced the occasion and hailed the initiative as a milestone in the railway's efforts to serve the needs of Sabari pilgrims. Divisional Railway manager Saurabh Prasad underscored the division's commitment to providing a seamless travel experience for Ayyappa devotees, highlighting the meticulous planning and dedication behind the special train service.
The Srikakulam special train will be followed by another from Visakhapatnam, scheduled to commence operations from November 29. To further enhance accessibility, the railway authorities have introduced stoppages at various locations within the Waltair jurisdiction, including Chipurupalli, Vizianagaram, Kottavalasa, Pendurthi, and Duvvada.
