Puri: In preparation for the world-famous Car Festival-2024 of Lord Jagannath, East Coast Railway has implemented special measures to ensure a comfortable journey for commuters and to alleviate congestion in regular trains traveling to and from Puri. To accommodate the influx of pilgrims, special trains have been arranged from various parts of the state as well as neighboring states.
In addition to the regular trains to and from Puri, East Coast Railway has announced 315 special trains for the Rath Yatra Festival, spanning from July 5th to July 15th, 2024. This includes 43 special trains for the Sunavesa Festival and 33 special trains for the Adharapana Festival.
During the festival period, 239 special trains have already been provided from Gundicha Yatra to Bahuda Yatra. Special trains will operate from locations such as Paradeep, Angul, Bhadrak, Junagarh Road, Khurda Road, Daspalla, Sompeta, Palasa, Kendujhargarh, Gunupur, Jagadalpur, Sonepur, and Sambalpur for the Sunavesa Festival. Similarly, trains from Paradeep, Angul, Bhadrak, Daspalla, Palasa, Kendujhargarh, and Khurda Road will run to Puri on Adharapana Festival.
To manage the additional passenger rush, special trains will run from Puri to Bhadrak, Paradeep, Angul, Palasa, Kendujhargarh, Daspalla, and Brahmapur on Adharapana Day and Niladribije Days.
Enhanced Facilities for Devotees and Pilgrims
The Ministry of Railways has introduced several facilities to ensure the convenience and safety of devotees and pilgrims during the Rath Yatra:
- Round-the-clock Control Room: To address passenger issues and ensure smooth train operations.
- Effective Announcements: Clear communication at stations to facilitate smooth boarding and alighting.
- Additional Ticket Booking Counters: For efficient and quick ticket disbursal.
- Crowd Management: Strategies to handle large crowds effectively.
- Train Information System/Enquiry Counters: Providing real-time train information.
- Video Walls Display: For better visual communication and updates.
- UTS on Mobile App: Enabling passengers to book tickets on the go.
- Pilgrim Waiting Area/Shed and Mela Sheds & Security Arrangements: Comfortable waiting areas with adequate security.
- Catering & Hospitality: Ensuring food and beverage services are available.
- Medical Facilities & Ambulance: Medical assistance and emergency services on standby.
- Power Supply, Water Supply, Cleanliness, Security, Drinking Water, and Sufficient Toilets: Ensuring all essential services are available and well-maintained.