Bhubaneswar: To ensure a comfortable and hassle-free journey for devotees and to manage the increased passenger demand during the world-famous Rath Yatra in Puri, East Coast Railway (ECoR) is operating special trains from various parts of Odisha as well as neighbouring states.
In addition to the regular train services to and from Puri, ECoR has arranged several special trains for Suna Besha and Adharapana to facilitate the travel of thousands of pilgrims. These special services have been planned from almost all regions of Odisha, ensuring convenient connectivity for devotees visiting Puri during the festive period.
Suna Besha (Golden attire) of the sibling of Shree Jagannath Temple deities is set to be held on July 25 atop the chariots while Adharapana ritual will be held on July 26.
For Suna Besha, special trains will operate towards Puri from Paradeep, Angola, Bhadrak, Talachera, Kendrapada Road, Dhenkanal, Baleshwar, Brahmapur, Kendujhargad, Khordha Road and Daspalla.
Similarly, from Puri, special trains will run to Talachera, Badampahad, Dhenkanal, Bangiriposi, Rayagada, Bhadrak, Anugola, Gunupur, Raurkela, Daspalla, Sambalpur, Palasa, Visakhapatnam and Shalimar.
To cater to the additional passenger rush during Adharapana, East Coast Railway will also operate special trains towards Puri from Brahmapur, Daspalla, Anugola, Kendujhargad, Paradip, Bhadrak and Khordha Road. For the return journey, special trains will depart from Puri to Talachera, Dhenkanal, Bangiriposi, Bhadrak, Anugola, Daspalla, Khordha Road, Brahmapur, Kendujhargad and Paradip.
To ensure seamless travel, the Ministry of Railways and East Coast Railway have made comprehensive arrangements for the convenience of devotees and pilgrims. A 24×7 Control Room has been established to address passenger concerns and monitor smooth train operations.
Additional ticket booking and mobile ticket counters, train enquiry and information counters, continuous public announcements, crowd management measures, video wall displays, UTS on Mobile facilities, dedicated pilgrim waiting areas, enhanced security, catering services, medical assistance with ambulances, and uninterrupted power supply, water supply, cleanliness, drinking water and adequate toilet facilities have also been provided.
