Shri Augusto M Da Costa who was nominated by Capt. Viriato Fernandes, Member of Parliament (South Goa) attended above meeting. Smt. Bela Meena, Divisional Railway Manager (DRM) Huballi division being the Chairman of DRUCC, presided over the meeting which was attended by 13 members.
Shri Augusto M Da Costa informed the Chairman that special trains needs to be added every year so that travelling becomes easy for devotees from Goa to visit Velankanni to attend the novenas and feast. He further requested these special trains between Vasco and Velankanni & return, for annual feast should be from 27/08/2025 till 08/09/2025. He further requested DRM to issue orders atleast more than one month in advance, so that devotees can smoothly plan their travel.
The Committee was of the opinion that it is operationally feasible for deployment of special trains & the proposal will be sent to CPTM/SWR proposing Special train from VSG- VLKN – VSG for three trips as per feasible time & date after approval DRM/UBL.
Another issue which was discussed at the meeting was of the weekly train to Velankanni which leaves from Vasco on every Monday in the morning and reaches in the next day afternoon to Velankanni. This train usually reaches little late and devotees don’t get time for their pilgrimage. Hence it was requested that the train is kept one day at Velankanni station, so that the devotees get atleast one extra day for their pilgrimage before starting their return journey. The DRM assured that this request will be discussed at the next meeting in the agenda.