Bhubaneswar: East Coast Railway (ECoR) successfully managed train operations and passenger movement during Rath Yatra 2026 at Puri despite continuous monsoon rainfall throughout the festival period. Around 13 lakh pilgrims travelled through Puri Railway Station during the Yatra, with an average footfall of nearly one lakh passengers per day.
Preparations for the festival started several months in advance. A detailed action plan was prepared covering infrastructure, passenger amenities, security, surveillance, train operations and emergency response. Progress of the preparations was reviewed regularly at the divisional and zonal levels to ensure timely completion of all arrangements. This enabled the railway to handle a 6.78 per cent increase in passenger traffic compared to last year.
East Coast Railway worked in close coordination with the district administration, Odisha Police, temple authorities and other government agencies before and during the festival. Regular coordination meetings were held to synchronise arrangements inside and outside the railway station, helping in effective crowd management during periods of heavy rainfall and peak passenger movement.
Responsibilities were assigned to different departments including Commercial, Mechanical, Signal & Telecommunication, Electrical, Engineering, Medical, Railway Protection Force (RPF), Government Railway Police (GRP) and Housekeeping. A dedicated War Room monitored operations round the clock to ensure quick response to any operational requirement.
Digital ticketing facilities such as the RailOne App, Automatic Ticket Vending Machines (ATVMs) and Mobile Unreserved Ticketing System (MUTS) devices helped reduce queues at ticket counters. A Command and Control Centre connected to 220 CCTV cameras and 19 video walls continuously monitored passenger movement and assisted officials in regulating crowds.
Passenger demand was assessed continuously through real-time ticket sales. Based on the requirement, additional special trains were operated and extra rakes were kept ready at strategic locations in the Khurda Road–Puri section for immediate deployment. Two Amrit Bharat Special trains were also operated during the festival to accommodate additional passenger traffic.
To provide shelter from the rain, temporary holding areas covering more than 16,000 square metres and rest shelters of over 13,000 square metres were created. Passenger amenities included 187 temporary toilets, 128 bathrooms and 103 urinals. Housekeeping teams worked round the clock to maintain cleanliness at stations and passenger areas.
Communication systems including VHF sets, satellite phones and the public announcement system remained operational throughout the festival. One Station One Product (OSOP) stalls operated by ORMAS, KVIC and Self Help Groups showcased Odisha’s traditional handloom and handicraft products.
Medical teams, first-aid booths and ambulances were deployed at Puri and other important stations. During the festival, medical assistance was provided to around 13,000 pilgrims, including timely treatment that helped save the life of a critically ill young girl. Food safety and drinking water quality were monitored through regular inspections, residual chlorine testing, bacteriological water sampling and laboratory testing of food samples in accordance with FSSAI guidelines.
To ensure uninterrupted power supply, seven DG sets, dual-source power arrangements, RCCB-protected circuits and UPS backup systems were provided for essential services, including lighting and public address systems.
RPF and GRP personnel, supported by CCTV surveillance and AI-based monitoring systems, maintained security at stations and surrounding areas. Security teams also assisted in tracing lost children, recovering passengers’ belongings and preventing unlawful activities.
Permanent Infrastructure improvements completed before the festival included commissioning of two new platforms at Puri, an additional loop line at Malatipatpur, two Road Over Bridges replacing level crossings and additional accommodation facilities at the Tourist Complex for pilgrims.
Apart from train operations, East Coast Railway also extended support in other important aspects of the festival. Railway personnel assisted in repositioning the Raths on the Grand Road during Suna Besha using specialised C&W jack teams.
In coordination with NGOs, charitable organisations and corporate partners, nearly three lakh free meals were distributed to devotees during the festival. East Coast Railway officers also actively participated in coordination meetings organised by the State Government well before the commencement of Rath Yatra to ensure integrated planning among all stakeholder agencies.
