Bhubaneswar: With just a day left for the world-famous Rath Yatra in Odisha’s Puri, East Coast Railway (ECoR) geared up to ensure a safe and hassle-free travel experience for pilgrims.
In anticipation of increased passenger traffic during the festive season, ECoR has launched a special awareness drive aimed at enhancing passenger safety in overcrowded trains.
It advised pilgrims and travellers to refrain from risky behaviours such as traveling on footboards, buffers, or rooftops of train compartments. ECoR also advised pilgrims and passengers not to carry any inflammable items, avoid accepting food or drinks from strangers and touching unattended baggage or suspicious items.
In addition to cautioning passengers, ECoR has enlisted the support of Railway Protection Force (RPF) personnel to enforce crowd control measures and monitor against anti-social activities. RPF staff and security personnel are deputed to keep constant watch and to be in vigilant in crowded areas, ensuring the safety and security of all travellers, especially pilgrims and devotees.
Recognising the surge in demand during Rath Yatra, ECoR has announced the operation of special trains from various parts of Odisha, West Bengal, Chhattisgarh, and Andhra Pradesh, complementing the regular services to Puri. These additional services aim to accommodate the influx of pilgrims attending Rath Yatra, Bahuda Yatra, Suna Besha, and Adharapana days.
To further enhance passenger convenience, ECoR has provided additional ticket counters, enquiry counters, and information centers at key locations. Special amenities including catering services, sanitation facilities, medical assistance booths, and enhanced security arrangements have been put in place to ensure a comfortable journey for all travellers.
