Visakhapatnam: Expecting that about 2-3 lakh passengers would travel on trains for Krishna Pushkarams from north coastal Andhra Pradesh and Odisha region, the Waltair division of the East Coast Railway is gearing up for the river fete.

The ECoR would run five special trains for Puskaralu while 37 daily trains run from Vizag to Vijayawada. The special trains’ departure timings have been set in the evening as many prefer night journey so as to reach there in the morning.

Many people, however, opined that the railways should run more special trains considering the kind of publicity being given to the river festival.

“More devotees can take part in the Krishna Pushkaralu this time due to heavy adversiting. People will be interested in attending the festival if more special trains would be introduced,” said K. Ravi, a retired government employee who is set to go for the festival.

According to sources, about 6.2 lakh people had travelled on trains to attend the Godavari Pushkaralu from ECoR zone. The ECoR is, however, not expecting rush similar to that witnessed during Godavari fete, for the Krishna Pushkaralu, scheduled to begin from August 12.

In an effort to make ticketing hassle-free, additional booking counters would be opened before two days of the festival. To ensure availability of enough food, pure water and hygienic conditions in the canteens in the trains and stations, special inspectors would be deployed to keep vigil round-the-clock.

Three round-the-clock helpdesk numbers—138,139 and 182 would guide and assist people to Pushkarams. The railways could issue two more temporary helpline numbers, if need is felt.

People travelling in the rains can dial 138 for queries and complaints related to medical emergency, cleanliness, food and catering, coach and 139 for enquiry on train operations and passengers’ queries regarding PNR status, arrival and departure, 182 for any queries on passengers security and they can report unsavory situation during train journey.