Help desks set up to assist pilgrims at Tirupati railway station

Tirupati: The railway authorities have provided latest chairs for passengers at Tirupati railway station on Monday. Guntakal DRM Vijay Prathap Singh recently visited the station and found that passengers have no proper seating facilities. He said that before the commencement of Brahmotsavams, new chairs would be provided at all platforms and waiting halls.

Accordingly, the Station Improvement Group led by the Station Director K Satyanarayana and Manager M Subodh Mithra arranged 375 chairs at the station. They were distributed and placed at general waiting hall, sleeper class waiting hall and on all five platforms. Passengers expressed happiness as the chairs were so comfortable to sit and relax during the waiting time.

Also, Tirupati railway station authorities have opened four help desks at main entrance, reservation complex, escalator and near parcel office. Retired railway employees and Srivari Sevaks would perform duties in two shifts at these desks till Brahmotsavams are completed to guide pilgrims.

They provide pamphlets and other information to visiting pilgrims about Tirupati-Tirumala and Brahmotsavams. Steps are being taken to open a health centre to provide emergency medical help to the needy. Additional security personnel were posted to discharge duties during Brahmotsavams at the railway station which may see a large influx of passengers.

Medical teams in place
Tirupati: Sri Venkateswara Institute of Medical Sciences (SVIMS) deputed medical teams for Srivari Brahmotsavams to be held from September 13 to 21. The contingent of 75 doctors and other staff would extend their services to pilgrims in need at Alipiri and Srivari Mettu areas. 

They were deputed to work at the first aid centres there. Doctors, paramedical and nursing staff from various departments were deputed to render services to the pilgrims. 

They work in two shifts from 6 am to 8 pm and on Garuda Seva Day which falls on September 17, from 8 pm to 8 am on the next day. They give free medicines to the patients if needed, said SVIMS Director Dr TS Ravikumar.