Fri Nov 22 17:40:10 UTC 2024: **East Coast Railway Announces Special Trains for Sabarimala Pilgrims**

VISAKHAPATNAM, November 22, 2024 – The East Coast Railway (ECoR) has announced special train services to cater to Ayyappa devotees traveling from Visakhapatnam and North Andhra to Sabarimala. Two new weekly express trains will run between Srikakulam Road and Kollam, supplementing an extended service on the existing Visakhapatnam-Kollam express.

The existing Visakhapatnam-Kollam special express (08539) will have its service extended until February 26, 2025, departing Visakhapatnam every Wednesday at 8:20 a.m. The return train (08540) will leave Kollam every Thursday at 7:35 p.m. Both trains will have numerous stops en route.

A new weekly special express train (08553) will operate from Srikakulam Road to Kollam, departing Sundays at 6:00 a.m. from December 1st, 2024 to January 26th, 2025. The return service (08554) leaves Kollam on Mondays at 4:30 p.m. during the same period. These trains will also make multiple stops.

Both sets of special trains will include a mix of AC and sleeper class carriages. The ECoR’s announcement aims to ease travel for pilgrims during the Sabarimala pilgrimage season.

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