Temporary stops for Express trains at Bekal Fort station for Beach Festival

Kannur: The Southern Railway allotted a one-minute temporary stoppage for three Express trains at Bekal Fort Station in Kasargod from December 22 to 31, in connection with the Bekal International Beach Festival. The Chennai Egmore -Mangalore Central Express (train number 16159) which is scheduled to leave the Chennai Egmore at 11.15 pm (between Dec 21 and Dec 30) will have a stoppage at Bekal Fort station. The train will reach the station at 5.29 pm and leave the station at 5.30 pm (between Dec 22 and Dec 30). The Nagercoil -Mangalore Central Express (train no.16650) which leaves Nagarcoil Station at 4.15 am (between Dec 22 and Dec 31) will reach Bekal Fort Station at 7.47 pm and leave the station at 7.48 pm.

Dr MGR Chennai Central - Mangalore Central Express (train number 22637) which leaves MGR Chennai Central station at 1.25 pm (between Dec.21 and Dec. 30) will have a one-minute stoppage at Bekal Fort Station. The train will reach the station at 3.42 am and leave at 3.43 pm from Dec 22 to Dec 31.

A cultural extravaganza
The second edition of the Bekal International Beach Festival, a 10-day cultural extravaganza will begin on December 22. The event features art shows, a flower show, a sand sculpture competition, a food festival, and an auto expo. In addition, water sports like kayaking, parasailing, and scuba diving are also planned as part of it. Arts events will be held at two venues with the main stage featuring performances of renowned artists.

Playback singers KS Chithra, MG Sreekumar, actor Shobana, Kannur Sharif, and Gowri Lekshmi are among the prominent personalities to perform at the event on various days. A performance by Thaikkudam Bridge, a fusion performance by Sivamani Sarath, and a ghazal performance by Raza and Begum is also expected to add colour to the festival. Kudumbasree members and artists from the localities will also put together various art forms in the second stage.