Bhubaneswar: Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, along with Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, reviewed Indian Railways’ preparations for the upcoming Rath Yatra in Puri, with a focus on ensuring safe, seamless and comfortable travel for the lakhs of devotees expected during the annual festival.
During the review, Vaishnaw assessed arrangements related to crowd management, passenger movement and overall operational preparedness. Senior railway officials and representatives of the local administration briefed the minister on the integrated operational plan put in place to facilitate smooth movement of pilgrims during the festival.
As part of the arrangements, Indian Railways plans to operate more than 300 special trains for the Rath Yatra. Holding areas with a capacity to accommodate over 30,000 devotees, additional ticket counters and food arrangements are also being put in place in the Puri area to manage the anticipated surge in passenger traffic.
The Railway Minister also inspected passenger facilities and other amenities at the station. He reviewed measures aimed at improving passenger convenience, strengthening safety and security arrangements, and ensuring efficient railway operations throughout the Rath Yatra period.
The review comes as the Railways and the Odisha government intensify preparations for one of the country’s largest religious gatherings, which draws lakhs of devotees to Jagannath Temple and the annual Rath Yatra in Puri.
