the goan I network
MARGAO
The pilgrims who left for Vailankanni by the direct train on Monday had no option since there’s been a delay in issuing the notification on the special train and its scheduled departure to the pilgrim centre.
In fact, The Goan understands there’s been inquiries galore at the Margao railway station since the last four days by the beleaguered pilgrims before they finally boarded the direct train on Monday with the Railways delaying in issuing the notification for the special train.
Former Aquem-Baixo sarpanch Inacio Dias said the delay in issuing the notification for the special train has caused severe hardships and inconveniences to the pilgrims. “The ‘maddi’ at Vailankanni is scheduled on August 29, but the pilgrims have left for the centre on Monday itself, no signs of the special train schedule,”
Inacio said.
In fact, he pointed out that the government and the Railways should announce the schedule of the special train to Vailankanni well in advance to facilitate the pilgrims to plan their journey. “Many pilgrims who have left for Vailankanni by the direct train would have gone by the special train if the notification and schedule was announced well in advance,” Inacio said.
When The Goan contacted officials at the Margao railway station, they pointed out that no notification vis-Ã -vis the special train to Vailankanni has been received till this evening. “We have been receiving a host of inquiries from people over the last few days on the special trains to Vailankanni, but the notification is yet to come till date,” informed the official.
Thousands of Goans visit Vailankanni every year, beginning with the commencement of the traditional ‘maddi’ on August 29, followed by the 10-day novenas. While most people make it to the pilgrim centre by trains, many others travel by other modes of transport.
