Bhubaneswar: In anticipation of huge crowds of devotees heading to Puri for the annual Rath Yatra, East Coast Railway has unveiled comprehensive arrangements to ensure safe, comfortable, and hassle-free travel throughout the festival period.
The railway zone has planned an extensive network of special trains linking Puri with key destinations across Odisha and neighbouring states, including West Bengal, Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Maharashtra. These services will connect major stations such as Rourkela, Biramitrapur, Bangiriposi, Junagarh Road, Badampahar, Boudh, Jagadalpur, Baleshwar, Anugola, Gunupur, Rayagada, Paradip, Bhadrak, Kendujhar, Daspalla, Khurda Road, Sambalpur, Talcher, Kataka, Brahmapur, Dhenkanal, Barbil, Palasa, Visakhapatnam, Gondia, and Santragachhi.
Railway officials said they will closely monitor passenger demand during the festival and run additional special trains as needed to accommodate the rush and provide maximum convenience to pilgrims.
Ample Facilities at Puri Station
To handle the expected surge of visitors, authorities have set up dedicated pilgrim waiting areas and Mela Sheds at Puri Railway Station with a combined capacity of nearly 30,000 people. These facilities feature covered seating, air-cooled German Hangar sheds, and shaded zones for comfort during the wait.Passenger amenities have been significantly upgraded with 129 modular toilets, 68 bathrooms, 65 drinking water booths, 10 cold water points, and Wi-Fi coverage across the station. Three round-the-clock medical centres backed by ambulances will provide e
mergency care, while NGOs and self-help groups will distribute free meals to approximately 3.5 lakh pilgrims. Special provisions, including battery-operated vehicles and dedicated wheelchairs, have been arranged for senior citizens and persons with disabilities.
Ticketing facilities have also been bolstered with 40 booking counters, 12 Automatic Ticket Vending Machines, 32 Mobile Unreserved Ticketing System units, and extra counters at 21 stations.
Tight Security and Real-Time Monitoring
Security has been ramped up with the deployment of 758 Railway Protection Force personnel, 1,500 Government Railway Police officers, and 100 Civil Defence, Scouts, and Guides volunteers. The arrangements include 250 CCTV cameras, four drones for aerial surveillance, ten sniffer dogs, and three fire tenders. A dedicated War Room has been established to monitor train movements, crowd flow, and security in real time.
Senior officials will remain on duty round the clock, coordinating with various teams through CCTV and drone feeds to swiftly address any issues.
For cleanliness, a 430-member sanitation team equipped with sewage suction vehicles, garbage disposal units, industrial vacuum cleaners, and jet cleaning machines has been mobilised.
Passengers will also benefit from 15 LED video walls, 60 public announcement systems, and GPS clocks for up-to-date information on train schedules and announcements.
Infrastructure Upgrades Completed
Several improvements at Puri station, including better passenger circulation in the new terminal building, additional floors in the Tourist Complex, organised holding areas, and enhanced approach road access, have been completed ahead of the festival.
Appeal for Safe Travel
East Coast Railway has urged all devotees to prioritise safety during their journey. Pilgrims have been advised against travelling on footboards, buffers, or rooftops, to avoid accepting food or drinks from strangers, and to immediately report any suspicious or unattended baggage to railway staff or security personnel. Travellers are also encouraged to check official railway sources for confirmed schedules and reservation status before starting their trip.