Aluva (Kerala): Indian Railways has announced special train services and additional stoppages for devotees attending the Aluva Mahashivratri festival at the Aluva Shiva Temple on Sunday, easing travel for thousands expected to participate in the Shivratri celebrations.

As part of the Mahashivratri special arrangements, the Nilambur–Kottayam Express (16325) departing Nilambur on Sunday will halt at Mullurkara, Ollur, Nellayi and Koratty in addition to its regular stops.

The Shoranur–Thrissur Passenger (56605) has been extended up to Aluva for the festival. The train will depart Thrissur at 11:13 pm and arrive in Aluva at 12:45 am, stopping en route at Ollur (11:22 pm), Puthukkad (11:32 pm), Nellayi (11:38 pm), Irinjalakuda (11:45 pm), Chalakudy (11:53 pm), Divine Nagar (11:57 pm), Koratty (12:02 am), Karukutty (12:07 am), Angamaly (12:15 am) and Chowwara(12:23 am).

Return services on Monday

On the return leg, the Thrissur–Kannur Express (16609) will depart Aluva at 05:15 am on Monday, February 16, reaching Thrissur via Chowwara (05:21 am), Angamaly (05:28 am), Karukutty (05:33 am), Koratty (05:38 am), Divine Nagar (05:43 am), Chalakudy (05:47 am), Irinjalakuda (05:56 am), Nellayi (06:03 am), Puthukkad (06:09 am) and Ollur (06:18 am). The train will leave from Thrissur for Kannur at 06:45 am as per the schedule.

Additionally, the service will halt at Mullurkara and Vallathol Nagar on that day.

The special train arrangements for Aluva Shivaratri are aimed at facilitating smooth passenger movement and managing the heavy rush of devotees travelling to the temple town for the annual festival.