As the world-famous Rath Yatra in Puri approaches, the State Transport Authority (STA) of Odisha held a vital coordination meeting today to ensure smooth and disciplined transportation for millions of devotees.
Led by State Transport Commissioner Amitabh Thakur, the meeting saw participation from the police, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), and the Bus Owners’ Association, focusing on logistics for the grand festival.
A key priority was traffic management, with special restrictions planned on the Konark-Puri route to ease congestion. To facilitate devotee travel, buses on alternative routes will be granted special permits for Puri, with increased services from Cuttack and Bhubaneswar. The administration will also deploy 100 autos for free shuttle services between Talabania and the District High School.
To prevent overcharging, the Transport Commissioner instructed the Bus Owners’ Association to adhere to fixed fares, with rate charts prominently displayed in all buses and autos travelling to and within Puri. The Puri Police and Regional Transport Office (RTO) will enforce strict monitoring to protect passengers from harassment.
Essential amenities are also in focus, with temporary rest shelters, drinking water, and first-aid facilities planned at Malatipatpur and Talabania. Buses will carry first-aid kits and sufficient ORS packets, provided by the STA. CCTV cameras will be installed at Talabania, and police will ensure safety at bus stops, keeping a close watch on anti-social elements.
A 24-hour control room will operate in Puri during the Rath Yatra, backed by vehicle repair services, cranes, and ambulances in collaboration with various companies. Special traffic teams will manage high-congestion zones on national highways. Dedicated teams will also monitor bus stands in Puri, Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, and other cities for passenger convenience.
The meeting included the Puri SP, Cuttack DCP, Traffic DCP, NHAI officials, Bus Owners’ Association representatives, and senior transport officials. Commissioner Thakur assured that, with the cooperation of all departments, vehicle owners, and staff, the best services will be delivered to devotees during Rath Yatra 2025.
