Cuttack: In a significant effort to ensure seamless connectivity for millions of devotees converging on Puri for the world-famous Rath Jatra, the State Transport Commissioner, Amitabh Thakur, today announced comprehensive transportation arrangements.
A high-level meeting, chaired by Commissioner of Transport was attended by representatives from the National Highways Authority, State Police, and Bus Owners Association, finalized key decisions aimed at facilitating the comfortable and safe movement of pilgrims.
Around 1000 buses, will ply the Puri route from various parts of the state. Special permits will be issued to these vehicles, with a particular focus on increasing bus services from Cuttack and Bhubaneswar to Puri. Interested bus owners can apply for these permits through a streamlined process designed for convenience.
Addressing a common concern, the Transport Commissioner Shri Thakur sternly instructed the Bus Owners Association to ensure that no passenger is overcharged from the prescribed bus fare. To further enforce this, it has been decided to display fare-related information prominently on all buses and autos operating to and from Puri. Puri Police and Puri RTO will maintain a strict vigil against any instances of arbitrary fare collection or passenger harassment.
Beyond transport, the administration is committed to providing essential facilities for devotees. Steps will be taken to offer basic amenities, including temporary rest rooms at bus stops. Passenger safety will also be a top priority, with police giving importance to security at bus stops and deploying strict vigil against miscreants. Special teams will be formed to monitor passenger convenience at bus stands in Puri, Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, and other major cities. Additionally, CCTV cameras will be installed at Talbonia in Puri to enhance surveillance.
For passenger well-being, the State Transport Authority (STA) will ensure that first aid kits and sufficient Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS) are available in all buses. A 24-hour control room will be set up by the RTO in Puri during the Rath Yatra to address passenger and vehicle-related issues. Collaboration with various companies will provide crane and ambulance facilities for vehicle repairs as needed.
To maintain a smooth traffic flow, special attention will be given to the traffic system, with dedicated teams deployed at potential congestion points on the National Highway. Special traffic restrictions will also be imposed on the Konark-Puri route.
In a welfare-oriented move, the administration has decided to arrange 100 autos for free transportation from Talbania to the District High School.
The meeting saw the presence of key officials, including the Puri SP, Cuttack DCP, Traffic DCP, National Highways Authority officers, and senior officers of the Transport Department, signaling a united approach to ensuring a successful and devotee-friendly Rath Yatra.