In preparation for the Rath Yatra 2025 transport authorities and private bus operators in Odisha are implementing a major expansion in intercity travel with a total of 800 buses slated to operate between Cuttack and Puri via Bhubaneswar doubling the usual count of 400.
The move comes as lakhs of devotees are expected to travel to the coastal temple town on June 27 for the annual chariot festival.
According to The Times of India the All Odisha Bus Owners Association confirmed the deployment citing the need to reduce overcrowding and ensure reliable uninterrupted service from early morning through late night.
Reports added that special counters and manpower have been arranged at major terminals and all operators have been directed to conduct rigorous safety and hygiene checks before departure.
Real-Time Monitoring and Route Coordination
Meanwhile the state transport department is actively working with private operators to streamline operations and avoid traffic gridlocks on the CuttackndashBhubaneswarndashPuri corridor.
Given the heavy traffic expectation on the festival day plans are in place to regulate departure timings and stagger vehicle movement to prevent bottlenecks along the highway.
Help desks and monitoring units will be stationed at bus stands while dedicated teams will supervise boarding and ensure emergency response readiness. Travel advisories have already been issued for the annual festival.
Rail Connectivity Reinforced with 365 Special Trains
As part of a broader mobility strategy the East Coast Railway ECoR had earlier announced the operation of 365 special trains for Rath Yatra this year. This extensive rail plan will link Puri to major cities across Odisha and the neighbouring states including Andhra Pradesh Chhattisgarh and West Bengal.
Special trains will run from origin points such as Sambalpur Rourkela Brahmapur Khurda Road Angul and Visakhapatnam offering extensive coverage for pilgrims from remote areas.
Notably the arrangement surpasses last yearrsquos deployment of 315 special trains and includes measures like helpline desks and crowd control volunteers at stations.