Bhubaneswar: A high-level review meeting was held today under the chairmanship of Commerce & Transport Minister Bibhuti Bhusan Jena to assess preparations for the smooth transportation and safe movement of devotees during the world-famous Rath Yatra in Puri.
The meeting was attended by Principal Secretary, Commerce & Transport Department N.B.S. Rajput, ADG Soumendra Priyadarshi, Transport Commissioner-cum-Chairman Amitabh Thakur, Puri District Collector Dibya Jyoti Parida, SP, Twin City DCP, along with representatives of CRUT and NHAI.
During the meeting, detailed arrangements related to traffic management, transport facilities, and crowd control were reviewed. Special emphasis was laid on ensuring hassle-free movement of devotees along the Bhubaneswar–Puri corridor during the annual festival, which witnesses massive footfall.
Authorities were directed to ensure installation of CCTV cameras and adequate lighting systems at parking areas, provision of free shuttle services up to Bada Danda (Grand Road), and preparation of standard fare charts for buses to avoid overcharging.
The meeting also reviewed the condition of the Bhubaneswar–Puri National Highway, with directions issued for urgent repair works and installation of proper signboards for smooth vehicular movement. Measures to prevent overspeeding and strengthen traffic enforcement were also discussed.
It was further decided to implement robust traffic regulation mechanisms starting from Bhubaneswar to manage the expected surge of vehicles during the festival period.
Minister Jena emphasised that the safety, comfort, and seamless movement of devotees remain the top priority of the government, and all concerned departments must work in close coordination to ensure hassle-free arrangements during the Rath Yatra.
