Bhubaneswar: Around 1,000 buses will ply to Puri from various parts of the state on the occasion of the world-famous Rath Yatra. This was decided at a high-level meeting chaired by Transport Commissioner Amitabh Thakur, which included office bearers of the Odisha Bus Owners’ Association, Cuttack DCP, Puri SP, NHAI officials, and officials from the State Transport Department.
In addition to regular passenger buses, special permits will be issued to various vehicles. The Malatipatpur and Talabania grounds will serve as bus stands, from where 100 battery-operated buses will operate to Bada Danda to ferry devotees. To ensure fairness, bus operators have been instructed not to charge more than the fixed price set by the government.
The department will also provide pure vegetarian meals to devotees at a nominal price of Rs 10 at the Talabania bus stop. “To maintain order, nearly 30 enforcement squads will be deployed, and elaborate arrangements have been made by the police to manage traffic. Adequate forces will be mobilized, and intelligence enforcement management has been put in place on key routes, including Bhubaneswar-Puri, Puri-Konark, and Pipili-Puri,” added Thakur.
Transport Commissioner Amitabh Thakur stated that bus owners have agreed to follow government rules on fixed ticket prices.
Puri SP Vinit Agrawal added that discussions were held on various subjects, especially parking for tourist and passenger buses, and all stakeholders have cooperated with the administration. With these arrangements in place, the administration is hopeful that the mega event will pass smoothly with the blessings of Lord Jagannath.
