Media Release

Udupi, Feb 24: The central government has approved halts for the Vasco-Velankanni special train (17315) at Udupi and Kundapur stations, benefiting Christian pilgrims traveling to the renowned Velankanni shrine in Tamil Nadu.

The request for the halts was made by the Udupi district unit of the BJP Minority Morcha to Udupi-Chikkamagaluru MP Kota Srinivas Poojary, who then submitted an appeal to the Union railway minister. In response, the railway ministry granted permission for the train to stop at Udupi and Kundapur for upcoming trips.

This move will not only assist Christian pilgrims visiting the Velankanni church but also benefit Hindu devotees traveling to Tamil Nadu’s Thirunallar Shani temple and the Brihadeeswara temple in Thanjavur, MP Kota Srinivas Poojary stated.

The Udupi district BJP Minority Morcha expressed gratitude to prime minister Narendra Modi, union railway minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, minister V Somanna, and MP Kota Srinivas Poojary for approving the request and facilitating this service.