Bengaluru, Oct 14 (PTI) In view of the expected hugeturnout at Shravanabelagola for Mahamastakabhisheka, the headanointing ceremony of Lord Gommateswara, next year, SouthWestern Railway plans to run additional trains to the templetown from Bengaluru/Hassan.
Celebrated once in 12 years, Mahamastakabhisheka is a grand ceremony where the statue is anointed with water, turmeric and sandalwood paste.
The event will take place from February 7 to Februay 262018.
A large number of Jains from different parts of thecountry pour in to worship their Teerthankar.
To ensure necessary passenger amenities, SWR General Manager A K Gupta inspected Hassan and Shravanabelagolarailway stations.
South Western Railways said in a press release that itplanned 12 additional services from Bengaluru/Hassan toShravanabelagola during the celebrations.
It said that the frequency and number of services wouldbe announced in due course.
Adequate additional temporary booking counters and atemporary passenger reservation system will be opened atat Shravanabelagola.
Temporary structures for waiting hall,toilets, a controlroom and a helpdesk will also be set up at these stations.
Besides, additional stalls for food and beverages and backupgenerators will also be set up.
In the coming months, CCTVs will be installed and Highspeed Wi-Fi network provided at Hassan and Shravanabelagolastations.
Tight security at these stations, first aid services andcleaning drinking water supply are also on the cards.
Gupta was quoted as saying that all out efforts are beingmade by SWR to organize Railways part of the prestigious eventsuccessfully. PTI GMS RA APRAPR.
This is unedited, unformatted feed from the Press Trust of India wire.