VASCO
Vasco MLA Krishna Salkar on Thursday sought the introduction of a special train between Vasco and Vailankanni and a two-day halt, to facilitate Goan pilgrims attending the annual Feast of Our Lady of Good Health in Vailankanni on September 8.
The memorandum was submitted to Chandan Revandekar, Station Master of Vasco Railway Station, in the presence of several devotees and leaders of the Christian community.
Salkar highlighted the growing number of devotees who travel each year for the pilgrimage and stressed the need for additional trains to accommodate the heavy rush of passengers. “One train is not enough to meet the demand. Thousands of pilgrims travel from Goa to Vailankanni during the annual feast, and additional trains will ensure better comfort, availability of tickets, and a hassle-free journey,” he said.
The MLA also called for a revision in the return schedule of the existing train.
“At present, the train departs from Vasco on August 27, reaches Vailankanni on August 28, and returns the same night. This doesn’t give pilgrims enough time at the shrine. We have requested that the return journey be scheduled on August 30, allowing a two-day halt at Vailankanni so devotees can attend novenas, offer prayers, and complete their pilgrimage peacefully,” Salkar said.
He added that a delegation would soon meet Chief Minister Pramod Sawant to press for this demand.
“We have already secured an appointment with the CM, who we hope will take up this genuine demand with Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw to get the necessary approvals. Our aim is to ensure that pilgrims are provided with the best possible facilities during their spiritual journey,” Salkar said.
