In a major initiative to boost religious tourism, the Odisha government has launched the ‘Shree Jagannath Express’, a premium interstate bus service that connects Puri, home of the revered Jagannath Temple, to India’s top pilgrimage destinations — including Ayodhya, Ujjain, Tirupati, Hyderabad, and Bhilai.
Key Highlights:
-
8 Super Premium OSRTC Buses rolled out, with 5 operating directly from Puri.
-
Connects spiritual cities like Ayodhya, Ujjain, Tirupati, Hyderabad, and Bhilai.
- Additional routes from Bhubaneswar to Hyderabad and Visakhapatnam also introduced.
Affordable Fares & Women-Friendly Policy:
-
Fare for men: ₹2/km
- Fare for women: ₹1/km (50% concession)
Modern Amenities for Pilgrims:
-
Super-premium buses with enhanced comfort, safety, punctuality, and smart systems.
- Integration of Intelligent Enforcement Management System (IEMS) for safer and more efficient bus operations.
Strategic Cultural Integration:
This move not only improves interstate travel but also positions Puri as a central religious transport hub, deepening its role in India’s spiritual landscape. These buses will depart from the Puri Municipality Bus Terminal.
As religious tourism sees a resurgence post-pandemic, this initiative is expected to inspire similar connectivity models across other Indian states.
