New Delhi: To manage the massive passenger rush during Puri Rath Yatra and other major festivals, Indian Railways has deployed special trains, added extra coaches to existing services, and increased train frequency to the pilgrim town.
Replying to a question from Rajya Sabha MP Subhashish Khuntia, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said the Railways is making continuous efforts to meet passenger demand during the festival season.
He informed the House that while 116 regular train services are currently available to Puri, special trains have been operated for 14 days this year from July 15 to July 28 for Bahuda Yatra and related festivities.
“Along with starting new services, existing train services are also being expanded. The frequency of services is being increased. Apart from this, the number of coaches in existing train services is also being increased,” Vaishnaw said.
The Minister further stated that keeping in mind the additional rush during festivals, religious gatherings and events like Rath Yatra, Indian Railways runs special trains and augments coaches based on traffic patterns, business feasibility, operational feasibility and availability of resources.
Giving data on the last five years, Vaishnaw said around 1,075 special train trips were operated to manage the Rath Yatra rush between 2022 and 2025.The breakdown includes 192 trips in 2022, 194 trips in 2023, 323 trips in 2024, and 365 trips in 2025.
He also provided a detailed account of regular train facilities being provided for Puri in the Rajya Sabha. Officials said the additional services are aimed at ensuring smooth travel for lakhs of devotees visiting Puri during Rath Yatra and Bahuda Yatra.
