HR&CE Minister S. Ramesh flagging off minibus service at Subramanya Swami Temple in Tiruchendur.
| Photo Credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT
Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR&CE) Minister S. Ramesh on Friday flagged off four free minibus services at Subramanya Swami Temple in Tiruchendur to ferry devotees between the temple and the Tiruchendur bus stand and railway station.
The launch was held as part of an announcement made during the HR&CE Department’s grant demand for 2026-2027. The minibus services are intended to facilitate the transportation of devotees visiting the temple from Tiruchendur bus stand and railway station. The four buses worth an estimated cost of ₹1 crore were handed over by the City Union Bank under its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative.
The services were inaugurated ahead of the Soorasamharam (annihilation of demon) of Kanda Sashti festival, particularly in view of expected influx of devotees for the event.
Addressing the media, Mr. Ramesh said all departmental officials had been instructed to ensure comprehensive arrangements for the Kanda Sashti festival at the temple. Elaborating on preparations, he said 325 permanent toilets were available on the temple premises, while an additional 300 temporary toilets had been installed to cater the needs of devotees.
He said 384 permanent surveillance cameras and 149 high-tech cameras would be used to strengthen security. He added that it has been instructed to arrange 23 water pandals, 68 drinking water taps and 10 water tanks, each with a capacity of 1,000 litre and six lakh 300 ml drinking water bottles to ensure the adequate drinking water supply.
Five thousand police personnel would be deployed on Saturday and Sunday, he said. The Fisheries Department and Coastal Security Group police would also conduct surveillance along the beach using five boats on a rotational basis. Medical facilities would include a first-aid centre on the temple premises, government medical camps at six locations, two private medical camps and seven ambulances on standby to handle medical emergencies, he added.
Mr. Ramesh further said arrangements had been made to distribute milk, pongal and biscuits to devotees standing in queues. Volunteers had also been instructed to provide milk and fruits to devotees observing fasting. Round-the-clock monitoring would continue until normalcy was restored following the conclusion of Soorasamharam, he added.
Earlier Mr. Ramesh inspected the integrated control room centre, first aid centre, and soorasamharam venue to ensure that basic amenities were in place for devotees.
Thoothukudi District Collector Vishu Mahajan, Tirchendur Revenue Divisional Officer Gowtham and officials were present.
Published – November 14, 2026 06:21 pm IST
