New Delhi, July 6 -- With lakhs of devotees expected to visit Puri after this month's annual Rath Yatra, Railways minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on Monday reviewed extensive railway arrangements to ensure safe, smooth and comfortable travel during one of the country's largest religious gatherings.
During his one-day visit to Odisha, Vaishnaw, accompanied by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, inspected passenger facilities and crowd management measures at Puri railway station. Senior railway and district administration officials briefed him on the comprehensive operational plan prepared to handle the expected surge in pilgrims.
Railways has planned to operate more than 300 special trains for the Rath Yatra in addition to over 800 regular train services. To manage the heavy footfall, holding areas with a combined capacity of over 30,000 passengers have been created. Authorities have also set up additional ticket counters, enhanced food and drinking water facilities, strengthened passenger assistance services and improved station management to minimise congestion.
The minister reviewed emergency response systems, passenger amenities and safety measures, while directing officials to ensure seamless operations without disrupting regular railway services.
Vaishnaw also flagged off the Puri-Koraput Express, which is expected to improve rail connectivity to southern Odisha and provide better travel options for passengers within the state. He also inaugurated the Brahmapur-Udhna Amrit Bharat Express, a daily service aimed at strengthening direct rail connectivity between Odisha and Gujarat, benefiting both regular commuters and long-distance travellers.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.