For people visiting Velankanni for the annual Novena starting this month, a few tips/suggestions.
During the annual novena that begins as a preparation for the Feast of Nativity on September 8th, various arrangements are put in place at the station of Velankanni.
1. A medical contingent is placed at the station and has medicines for all common sicknesses such as fever, cold, travel sickness and so on. This is free of cost as far as I know.
2....
more...

An Ambulance with all amenities is parked outside the station to serve in case of any emergencies.
3. A contingent of Tamil Nadu Police also keep a vigil round the clock.
A few tips:
*The shrine is at a walking distance from the station. So if you are able and fit, you can walk all the way. In fact, the basilica is visible from the station as well.
*After exiting from the station's main entrance, walk out through the gate and keep taking left turns until you pass by the dead end of the railway line guarded by a tall wall and then walk straight to enter the shrine area. The bus station is located here.
*A plethora of lodges/hotels are available outside the station. Rates will be high during the novena time. Bargain.
*Restaurants are aplenty and you can chose the place to dine based on your budget, cleanliness standards and variety.
*Speak in English if you do not know Tamil. Be firm whenever you are bargaining for something. Rates quoted will be 100-200% higher than the actual price of items.
*Travelling in general class, especially while returning back is NOT recommended. There will be huge queue guarded by police to board the general coaches and for the Vasco Sspecial which had a departure time of 23:00, people had started queuing up at 19:00 itself! This was on September 2nd when the crowd was not at its peak so you can imagine well, what the condition will be around September 8th.
Based on my observation in September, 2014.