Bhubaneswar: The East Coast Railway (ECoR) has announced a series of special train services to facilitate the movement of devotees travelling to Puri for the Suna Besha and Adharapana rituals of Lord Jagannath, while also putting in place extensive passenger amenities to manage the expected surge in pilgrim traffic.
Besides regular train operations to and from Puri, additional special trains will connect the holy town with various parts of Odisha and neighbouring regions, ensuring convenient travel for thousands of devotees during the ongoing Rath Yatra festivities.
For the Suna Besha ritual on July 25, special trains will operate to Puri from Paradeep, Anugola, Bhadrak, Talacher, Kendrapada Road, Dhenkanal, Baleshwar, Brahmapur, Kendujhargarh, Khordha Road and Daspalla. Return special services from Puri will be available to Talacher, Badampahar, Dhenkanal, Bangiriposi, Rayagada, Bhadrak, Anugola, Gunupur, Raurkela, Dashapalla, Sambalpur, Palasa, Visakhapatnam and Shalimar.
To accommodate the additional rush during the Adharapana ritual on July 26, ECoR will run special trains to Puri from Brahmapur, Dashapalla, Anugola, Kendujhargarh, Paradeep, Bhadrak and Khordha Road. Special return services from Puri will operate towards Talacher, Dhenkanal, Bangiriposi, Bhadrak, Anugola, Dashapalla, Khordha Road, Brahmapur, Kendujhargarh and Paradeep.
The railway zone said comprehensive arrangements have been made to ensure a safe and hassle-free journey for pilgrims. A round-the-clock control room has been set up to monitor train operations and address passenger grievances.
Additional ticket booking and mobile ticket counters, train enquiry and information counters, continuous public announcement systems, crowd management measures and video wall displays have been deployed at key stations. Passengers will also have access to UTS on Mobile facilities, dedicated waiting areas for pilgrims, enhanced security arrangements, catering services, medical assistance with ambulances, uninterrupted power and water supply, improved cleanliness, drinking water facilities and adequate toilets during the festival period.
