In preparation for the upcoming Ratha Jatra festival in Puri, the Indian Railways has announced plans to operate 315 special trains aimed at facilitating the pilgrimage of devotees. This decision was conveyed by Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw during a meeting with Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi and his deputies in New Delhi. The special trains will run from July 6 to July 19, covering various routes across Odisha, thereby ensuring convenient travel arrangements for pilgrims.
Vaishnaw highlighted that the Ministry of Railways is also making provisions for accommodating 15,000 devotees in Puri during the festival period. The East Coast Railway (ECoR) specified that the special trains will operate from multiple origins such as Badampahad, Rourkela, Baleswar, Sonepur, Daspalla, Junagarh Road, Sambalpur, Kendujhargarh, Paradeep, Bhadrak, Angul, Gunupur, and Bangiriposi, catering to different phases of the Ratha Jatra festivities including Gundicha Jatra, Sandhya Darshan, Bahuda Jatra, Suna Vesha, and Adharapana rituals. Parmeshwar Funkwal, the General Manager of East Coast Railway, has personally overseen the preparations at Puri station to manage the anticipated surge in passenger traffic during the auspicious event. This initiative by the Railways underscores its commitment to supporting religious tourism and ensuring smooth transportation for devotees participating in one of Odisha’s most revered cultural events. With robust logistical arrangements in place, the focus remains on enhancing passenger comfort and operational efficiency throughout the festival period.
