Special trains to operate for Suna Besha, Adharapana during Rath Yatra

Bhubaneswar: East Coast Railway (ECoR) has announced a series of special trains for Suna Besha and Adharapana to facilitate the movement of thousands of devotees visiting Puri during the ongoing Rath Yatra festivities.

The special services, in addition to regular trains to and from Puri, have been planned from various parts of Odisha and neighbouring states to manage the surge in passenger traffic and ensure a smooth travel experience for pilgrims.

For Suna Besha, special trains will operate to Puri from Paradeep, Angul, Bhadrak, Talcher, Kendrapara Road, Dhenkanal, Balasore, Brahmapur, Kendujhargarh, Khurda Road and Daspalla. Return services from Puri will be available to Talcher, Badampahar, Dhenkanal, Bangiriposi, Rayagada, Bhadrak, Angul, Gunupur, Rourkela, Daspalla, Sambalpur, Palasa, Visakhapatnam and Shalimar.

Similarly, for Adharapana, special trains will run to Puri from Brahmapur, Daspalla, Angul, Kendujhargarh, Paradeep, Bhadrak and Khurda Road. Return services will connect Puri with Talcher, Dhenkanal, Bangiriposi, Bhadrak, Angul, Daspalla, Khurda Road, Brahmapur, Kendujhargarh and Paradeep.

To ensure hassle-free travel, East Coast Railway has made elaborate arrangements, including a 24×7 control room for passenger assistance and monitoring train operations. Additional ticket booking counters, mobile ticketing facilities, enquiry and information counters, public announcement systems, video wall displays and dedicated waiting areas for pilgrims have also been put in place.

The railway administration has further strengthened security, crowd management, catering services, medical assistance with ambulances, and ensured uninterrupted power and water supply, cleanliness, drinking water facilities and adequate toilets at stations.

East Coast Railway said the special arrangements are aimed at providing a safe, secure and comfortable journey for devotees travelling to Puri during the Rath Yatra celebrations.