Bhubaneswar: Arrangements are being made to run over 1,000 buses to Puri from different parts of the state on the occasion of the upcoming Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath and siblings.
This decision was taken at a high-level meeting chaired by Transport Commissioner Amitabh Thakur with office bearers of the Odisha Bus Owners’ Association. Cuttack DCP, Puri SP, NHAI officials, and officials from the State Transport Department were present at the meeting.
In addition to regular passenger buses, special permits will be issued to various vehicles. Malatipatpur and Talabania grounds will serve as bus stands, from where 100 battery-operated autos will operate to Bada Danda to ferry devotees. To ensure fairness, bus operators have been instructed not to charge more than the fixed price set by the government.
Officials said that the department will also provide pure vegetarian meals to devotees at a nominal price of Rs 10 at the Talabania bus stop.
As part of steps to maintain order, nearly 30 enforcement squads will be deployed, and elaborate arrangements have been made by the police to manage traffic. Adequate forces will be mobilized, and intelligence enforcement management has been put in place on key routes, including Bhubaneswar-Puri, Puri-Konark, and Pipili-Puri.
Transport Commissioner Amitabh Thakur said bus owners have agreed to follow government rules on fixed ticket prices.
Sharing details of deliberations held at the meeting, Puri SP Vinit Agrawal special measures are being planned for parking of tourist and passenger buses. All stakeholders are cooperating with the administration to ensure smooth conduct of the annual festival.
