The Odisha government has announced a comprehensive transport plan for Rath Yatra 2025 aimed at ensuring safe and efficient travel for lakhs of devotees visiting Puri during the annual festival.
A high-level meeting chaired by state transport officials finalised strategies focused on traffic regulation, passenger safety, and essential amenities. A major component of the plan is traffic control along the Konark-Puri route, where special restrictions will be imposed to prevent congestion. The administration will issue special permits to buses taking alternate routes into Puri, and increase services from Cuttack and Bhubaneswar. In addition, 100 autos will operate free shuttle services between Talabania and the District High School. To avoid passenger exploitation, the Transport Commissioner has directed the Bus Owners’ Association to follow fixed fare charts, which must be clearly displayed in all vehicles operating to and within Puri. The Puri Police and Regional Transport Office (RTO) will ensure strict enforcement of these fare guidelines.
The plan also emphasises basic facilities for devotees. Temporary rest shelters, drinking water stations, and first-aid services will be set up at Malatipatpur and Talabania. Buses will be equipped with first-aid kits and ORS packets, supplied by the State Transport Authority (STA). CCTV cameras will monitor the Talabania area, while police personnel will be deployed at key bus stops to curb anti-social activities. To maintain 24/7 oversight during the festival, a control room will operate round-the-clock in Puri, supported by vehicle repair teams, cranes, and ambulances. The state is also forming special traffic teams to manage congested zones along national highways, and dedicated units will monitor bus terminals in Puri, Bhubaneswar, and Cuttack to assist travellers.
The coordination meeting was attended by senior officials including the Puri SP, Cuttack DCP, Traffic DCP, NHAI representatives, and members of the Bus Owners’ Association. Transport Commissioner Amitabh Thakur stated that with the collaboration of all departments and stakeholders, the administration aims to deliver the best services to devotees attending Rath Yatra 2025.
