MARGAO: The proposed introduction of the Vasco-Vailankani weekly train along the South Western railway (SWR) route to facilitate pilgrims travelling for the Christian pilgrimage, has spurred a demand for a Vasco-Tirupati train for the convenience of Goans embarking on a pilgrim to the famous Tirumala Venkateswara temple in Andhra Pradesh.

The SWR has already notified the weekly Vasco-Vailankani train in its new time table implemented from July, though the date of commencement will be notified later.

"There are many people travelling to Tirupati. As there are no direct trains they face a lot of difficulties in changing trains enroute. Introduction of a direct train to Tirupati that could be extended to Hyderabad-Secunderabad will benefit thousands of Goans," Devanand Bhandari, president of Sanvordem-Curchorem railway consumers association (SCRCA) told