CIAL sets up dedicated pilgrim facilitation centre for Sabarimala devotees

Cochin International Airport Ltd has established a 5,000-square-foot pilgrim facilitation centre for Sabarimala devotees near its domestic arrival terminal. Kerala Chief Minister V D Satheesan will inaugurate it on November 17, with transport, helicopter-booking, prasadam, taxi and other facilities available

Kochi: The Cochin International Airport Ltd (CIAL) on Sunday said it has set up a dedicated pilgrim facilitation centre at the airport for Sabarimala pilgrims. Kerala Chief Minister V D Satheesan will inaugurate the facility on November 17.

Spread across 5,000 square feet, the centre is located near the police aid post, adjacent to the domestic arrival terminal, and will remain open round the clock, CIAL said in a release.

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It further said that Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) bus services are available to and from the airport, with a booking counter set up at the pilgrim facilitation centre.

Pilgrims can also book chartered bus services based on demand, it said, adding that the Chief Minister will flag off the KSRTC bus service as part of the inauguration.

A dedicated counter for helicopter service bookings has also been set up this year, the release said.

Other facilities at the centre include a Devaswom help desk, a prasadam coupon counter, a prepaid taxi booking facility, a vegetarian food outlet and a rest area. A flight information display system has also been installed to provide real-time flight updates.

“Its proximity to the domestic arrival terminal makes the centre easily accessible to arriving pilgrims,” CIAL said.

CIAL said around 11,000 pilgrims used the facilitation centre last year.

Besides pilgrims from Tamil Nadu, Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, devotees from Malaysia and Singapore also availed themselves of the facilities, it said.