BHUBANESWAR: With lakhs of devotees expected to visit Puri for the upcoming Rath Yatra, the State Transport Authority (STA) has initiated comprehensive preparations to ensure hassle-free transportation and public convenience.
At a high-level coordination meeting chaired by transport commissioner Amitabh Thakur recently, it was decided to issue special permits to vehicles, especially buses operating on other routes to facilitate additional services to Puri.
The STA has assured that the application process for interested bus owners will be simplified. Special emphasis is being laid on increasing the frequency of buses from Cuttack and Bhubaneswar to Puri to accommodate the expected surge in passengers. It is expected that 1,000 buses will ply in these routes during the Rath Yatra period.
The bus owners’ association has been urged to strictly monitor fares, ensuring that no passenger is overcharged. “It has been decided that all buses and autos operating to and within Puri will display fare charts prominently. Both Puri police and the local RTO will maintain a close vigil to prevent any arbitrary fare collection or harassment of passengers,” said Thakur.
To support devotees, temporary restrooms will be established at bus stands and basic amenities arranged. As passenger safety remains a key focus, security will be beefed up at transport hubs. CCTV surveillance will be installed at Talabania and anti-social elements strictly dealt with.
Special teams will monitor passenger facilities at major bus stands in Puri, Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, and other towns. Buses will be equipped with first-aid kits and ORS solutions, to be supplied by the STA. A 24-hour control room will also be operational at the Puri RTO during the festival. “Since all buses will be restricted at Talabania square, it has been decided to deploy at least 100 battery-operated vehicles and autos for ferrying devotees from Talabania to the high school field free of charge during the festival period,” Thakur added.
In a collaborative move, support from various private companies will be sought to provide on-the-spot vehicle repair, crane services, and ambulance facilities. The administration is also preparing for efficient traffic management, especially on routes prone to congestion. Special regulations will be enforced along the Konark-Puri route, and a dedicated team will oversee high-traffic areas on the national highways.