In anticipation of the Rath Yatra 2025 on June 27, the Odisha government has undertaken an extensive transport augmentation plan to accommodate the expected surge of pilgrims heading to Puri.
A total of 800 buses—double the regular count—will operate between Cuttack and Puri via Bhubaneswar, offering uninterrupted service from morning till late night. The All Odisha Bus Owners’ Association confirmed this expansion, citing efforts to reduce overcrowding and ensure smooth, safe travel.
To complement road efforts, the East Coast Railway (ECoR) will run 365 special trains—a significant increase from last year’s 315—connecting Puri to key cities across Odisha and neighboring states such as Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and West Bengal. Origin points include Sambalpur, Rourkela, Brahmapur, Khurda Road, Angul, and Visakhapatnam, ensuring widespread rail coverage.
Both rail and bus services will be supported by real-time monitoring, help desks, safety inspections, and emergency response teams. These initiatives aim to ensure a safe, efficient, and spiritually fulfilling experience for the lakhs of devotees attending one of India’s most revered festivals.
