Bhubaneswar: During the world-famous Rath Yatra in Odisha’s Puri, the State Transport Authority (STA) has undertaken strict enforcement measures, which will continue during the upcoming major days of the festival, including Bahuda Yatra and Suna Besha.
With thousands of vehicles heading towards Puri for the annual festival, special attention is being given to errant drivers as per government directives. Accordingly, seven special teams under the jurisdiction of RTO Puri have been deployed for continuous enforcement across various routes. Emphasis is being laid on e-challan issuance by intensifying vehicle checks, STA said in a statement on Monday.
Intelligent Enforcement Management System (IEMS) has been effectively operational on National Highway-316 (Bhubaneswar to Puri) and key State Highways including Puri–Konark and Konark–Pipili routes. Between June 27 and 29, nearly 1800 e-challans have been issued in and around Puri for violations such as riding without a helmet, wrong-way driving, over-speeding, and overloading two-wheelers.
Human resources are also being deployed for strict on-ground enforcement, with focused monitoring on routes such as Brahmagiri, Sakhigopal, Konark, and Pipili. Buses collecting fares above the prescribed limits are also under scrutiny, and bus owner’s associations have been repeatedly advised to comply with regulations.
Surprise checks are being conducted at important bus terminals including Netaji Bus Terminal (Cuttack), Baramunda Bus Stand (Bhubaneswar), Talabania, and Malatipatpur (Puri) by respective RTOs. Passengers are being consistently urged not to pay fares beyond the government-fixed rates.
To avoid traffic congestion caused by vehicle breakdowns during the festival, temporary vehicle repair and crane services are being facilitated along the Bhubaneswar–Puri route with the help of automobile companies and local dealers.
A 24×7 control room is functional to address commuter complaints. Helpdesk number: 06752-223478
Keeping pilgrims’ convenience in mind, temporary rest sheds with basic amenities and free food distribution services have been arranged at Talabania and Malatipatpur. These facilities were inaugurated by Hon’ble Minister of Commerce & Transport, Sj. Bibhuti Bhusan Jena, and will continue to be available during Bahuda Yatra and Suna Besha.
Free auto-rickshaw services have been made available in Puri for pilgrims under the Odisha Yatri App. These operate from Talabania to Urban Haat via Railway Station and from Sterling to Mangala Haat. The services were flagged off by the Hon’ble Minister.
Under the leadership of the Hon’ble Minister, Principal Secretary, and Transport Commissioner, over 100 officials and staff are continuously working on-ground to ensure seamless transport arrangements from Rath Yatra to Niladri Bije.
