CIAL sets up facilitation centre for Sabarimala pilgrims

Cochin International Airport Limited (CIAL) has set up a dedicated pilgrim facilitation centre at the airport for Sabarimala pilgrims. Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan will inaugurate the centre on November 17.

Spread across 5,000 sq. ft., the centre is located near the police aid post, adjacent to the domestic arrival terminal and will remain open round the clock. KSRTC bus services are available to and from the airport from here, with a booking counter set up at the centre. Pilgrims can also book chartered bus services on demand. A dedicated counter for helicopter service bookings has also been arranged.

The other facilities at the centre include a Devaswom help desk, prasadam coupon counter, prepaid taxi booking facility, 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 terminal makes the centre easily accessible to pilgrims, says an official release.

Around 11,000 pilgrims made use of the facilitation centre last year, including those from Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Malaysia, and Singapore, it says.