In a significant move to ease the journey for thousands of devotees during the annual Rath Yatra, Odisha’s Transport Minister Bibhuti Bhushan Pradhan announced free auto-rickshaw services from the Puri bus terminal to Badadanda (Grand Road), the central venue of the festival.

Free Rides for Smooth Pilgrim Movement

The announcement came after a high-level planning meeting held on June 9, focusing on preparations for the Rath Yatra, Bahuda Yatra, and Sunabesha events in Puri. As part of this initiative, free auto-rickshaw rides will be available throughout the festival period, ensuring that all attendees can reach the yatra site with ease and minimal expense.

“This effort is aimed at facilitating hassle-free movement for all pilgrims and maintaining order during the large-scale religious gathering,” said Minister Pradhan.

Temporary Bus Terminal and 250 Special Buses

To handle the massive influx of devotees, the Odisha government will set up a temporary bus terminal at Talabania, Puri. This measure is expected to ease congestion within city limits and improve traffic flow during the festival. Around 250 special buses will be deployed in and around Puri to support transport needs during the Rath Yatra days.

Additionally, the Odisha State Road Transport Corporation (OSRTC) will run extra buses from all 314 blocks of the state, ensuring pilgrims from every district have convenient access to the holy town.

Transparency Through Fare Tables and Route Planning

Although auto-rickshaw rides to Badadanda will be free, fare tables will be displayed prominently to maintain transparency and help devotees understand normal fare structures. This move aligns with the state government’s ongoing efforts to ensure fairness, safety, and efficient service delivery for festival attendees.

Traffic management will continue along established routes such as Malatipatpur, Toshali Sands, and Bhudan Chhaka to reduce congestion. These crowd-handling strategies have been previously used during the Rath Yatra and have proven effective.

Public Applause for Devotee-Centric Measures

Social media users and local residents praised the initiative, recognizing it as a people-first decision that places the comfort and safety of devotees at the forefront of planning.

With a focus on accessibility, safety, and convenience, this year’s Rath Yatra preparations highlight Odisha’s commitment to transforming Puri into a model spiritual tourism destination. By improving transport infrastructure and offering essential services like free auto-rickshaws, the state hopes to provide pilgrims with a seamless and fulfilling experience.

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