Bhubaneswar: In a bid to ensure safe, comfortable and hassle-free travel for devotees during Bahuda Yatrai, the Comprehensive Region Urban Transport (CRUT) has deployed 50 Ama Buses on special routes connecting Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, Khordha and adjoining areas with Puri.
The special services will operate on the following routes:
DD1 between Shree Mandira Parking and Master Canteen, Airport Shuttle, (AS) between Master Canteen and Biju Patnaik International Airport, 22E from Master Canteen to Talabania Bus Stand via Sundarpada and Harirajpur, 50E (Express) from Master Canteen to Talabania Bus Stand, 51E from Baramunda to Talabania Bus Stand, 54E from NLUO, Kataka to Talabania Bus Stand, 56E from Khordha to Talabania Bus Stand, 57E from Talabania Bus Stand to Astaranga, 58E from Jagatpur to Talabania Bus Stand, 59E from Mahanadi Vihar to Talabania Bus Stand, 61E from Mangalaghat Square to Satapada, 72E from Talabania Bus Stand to Madhava Temple, and 77E from Talabania Bus Stand to Nimapada.
In addition to the 50 Ama Bus special services, CRUT has deployed 15 buses provided by the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) to operate a free shuttle service in Puri. The shuttle service will run from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM at 10-minute intervals, connecting Samanga Parking to Sterling Parking via Mangalaghat, ensuring seamless last-mile connectivity for devotees and reducing traffic congestion during the festival.
To ensure smooth and efficient operations during the festival, CRUT has conducted special pre-festival training for its Captains and Guides. The training covered vehicle familiarisation, pre-trip inspection, defensive driving, lane discipline, traffic regulations, on-road driving practices, emergency response and fire safety, equipping the crew to handle the increased passenger movement with professionalism and safety. All buses have also undergone thorough mechanical and safety inspections before being pressed into service.
Officials said CRUT has kept its operations, maintenance and field teams on high alert to provide swift response and uninterrupted services throughout the special operation. Dedicated personnel have been deployed to assist passengers at major boarding points and ensure smooth movement of buses. Passengers availing the Express Special Services will continue to pay the existing fare, with no change in the fare structure.
CRUT has appealed to all devotees to cooperate with the bus crew, board and alight in an orderly manner, and avoid overcrowding. Passengers are also advised to remain vigilant and keep a close watch on their personal belongings to prevent theft or loss while travelling during the festival rush.
For route information and assistance, commuters are requested to contact the Ama Bus Helpline at 1800-570-0218. and check the social media updates.