Kuttippuram: In a move aimed at easing travel for thousands of devotees attending the Tirunavaya Mahamagam (Kumbh Mela of Kerala), BJP MP Suresh Gopi announced on Sunday that Indian Railways has granted temporary stoppages to three trains at Kuttippuram railway station.

In a Facebook post, Gopi said the decision comes as the Mahamagam festival is revived on the sacred banks of the Bharathapuzha, and authorities have a responsibility to provide convenient access for the lakhs of pilgrims expected to visit.

"Many devotees and residents had approached me requesting temporary stoppages for trains at Kuttippuram railway station to make travel to Tirunavaya easier. I brought this demand to the attention of the Railway Ministry, and an urgent, favourable decision has been obtained," Gopi wrote.

The temporary stoppages announced include:

16355 Antyodaya Express – January 31

12081 Jan Shatabdi Express – January 26 and 31

12685 Chennai-Mangaluru Superfast Express – January 25, 30, and 31

"Wishing everyone travelling to this great confluence of Indian culture a safe and spiritually fulfilling journey," Gopi added.

The Tirunavaya Mahamagam, often referred to as the Kumbh Mela of Kerala, is a 28-day festival celebrated at the Navamukunda Temple on the banks of the Bharathapuzha River. This year, the festival will continue until February 3, attracting pilgrims from across Kerala and beyond.

Additional temporary stoppages for the Kuravilangad Church feast

In another announcement, the Vanchinad Express (16303/16304) will have temporary stoppages at Vaikom Road railway station from January 26 to 28 to facilitate travel for devotees attending the annual Kuravilangad Church feast in Kottayam.

With these temporary train halts, devotees can now plan their journey more efficiently.