Bhubaneswar, July 4 (UDN): The Odisha government on Friday intensified preparations for the annual Rath Yatra in Puri, directing officials to strengthen transport, traffic management and commuter facilities to ensure the safe and hassle-free movement of lakhs of devotees expected to participate in the festival.
The directives were issued at a high-level review meeting chaired by Commerce and Transport Minister Bibhuti Bhusan Jena. The meeting was attended by Principal Secretary of the Commerce and Transport Department N.B.S. Rajput, Additional Director General of Police Soumendra Priyadarshi, Transport Commissioner-cum-Chairman Amitabh Thakur, Puri Collector Dibya Jyoti Parida, senior police officers, and representatives of CRUT and the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI).
The meeting reviewed transport arrangements, traffic regulation, crowd management and parking facilities along the Bhubaneswar–Puri corridor, which is expected to witness a heavy influx of pilgrims during the world-famous chariot festival.
To facilitate smooth travel, the authorities decided to augment bus services to Puri and ensure uninterrupted public transport operations. Officials were instructed to display standard fare charts prominently and take strict action against operators charging fares above the prescribed rates.
The government also directed the installation of CCTV surveillance systems and adequate lighting at designated parking areas. Free shuttle bus services will be provided from parking zones to the Bada Danda (Grand Road) to minimise congestion in the temple town.
Reviewing the condition of the Bhubaneswar–Puri National Highway, the Minister asked officials to expedite repair work, install proper directional signboards and strengthen traffic enforcement to prevent overspeeding and ensure orderly vehicular movement throughout the festival period.
A comprehensive traffic regulation plan will be implemented from Bhubaneswar to Puri to manage the anticipated surge in vehicles and maintain smooth traffic flow.
Emphasising that the safety and convenience of devotees remain the government’s highest priority, Jena directed all departments to work in close coordination and ensure seamless transport and traffic arrangements for the successful conduct of the Rath Yatra.