Bhubaneswar: In anticipation of the world-renowned Rath Jatra festival in Puri, the East Coast Railway (ECoR) has announced an unprecedented expansion of its services, deploying 365 special trains to facilitate the seamless travel of pilgrims and visitors.
This significant increase, building on last year’s 315 special trains, underscores ECoR’s commitment to ensuring comfortable and efficient travel for all devotees attending Odisha’s most famous spiritual festival.
The extensive arrangements aim to connect various parts of Odisha and neighbouring states, including Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and West Bengal, to Puri.
These special train services are strategically planned to cater to the massive influx of devotees, with particular emphasis on the important days of the festival, such as Gundicha Jatra, Adar Darshan, Bahuda Jatra, and Suna Besha. Special services will also be available on other days of the Rath Yatra festival.
Key Connectivity Routes:
The special trains will originate from and connect a wide array of locations, including:
- Odisha: Rourkela, Birmitrapur, Bangiriposhi, Junagadh Road, Badampahad, Boudh, Jagdalpur, Balasore, Angul, Gunupur, Rayagada, Paradip, Bhadrak, Keonjhar, Daspalla, Khordha Road, Sambalpur, Talcher, Cuttack, Berhampur, Dhenkanal, and Badabil.
- Andhra Pradesh: Palasa and Visakhapatnam.
- Chhattisgarh: Jagdalpur and Gondia.
- West Bengal: Santragachi/Kolkata.
This comprehensive rail connectivity is designed not only to accommodate the huge number of pilgrims but also to make travel considerably easier for residents of remote and interior districts, allowing broader participation in the sacred event.
The East Coast Railway has urged all passengers to consult the official railway portal for updated timetables and availability. Additionally, public announcements will provide accurate information regarding train movements during the Rath Yatra festival, ensuring pilgrims are well-informed.
The record number of trains provided this year reflects a strong dedication to the convenience and safety of the devotees, a testament to the efforts in facilitating this grand spiritual congregation.