Bhubaneswar, June 25 (UDN): In a major initiative aimed at ensuring hassle-free travel for lakhs of devotees during the upcoming Rath Yatra in Puri, the Odisha Transport Department has announced a slew of measures, including suspension of toll collection at Pipili and deployment of 400 electric vehicles for last-mile connectivity.
The decisions were taken at a high-level review meeting chaired by Transport Commissioner Amitabh Thakur at the Regional Transport Office (RTO) in Bhubaneswar on Thursday.
As part of the transport management plan, nearly 400 electric vans will be deployed to ferry pilgrims from designated parking areas to the Bada Danda in Puri, facilitating smooth movement and reducing congestion in the pilgrim town.
In a significant relief to commuters, toll collection at the Pipili Toll Gate will remain suspended on the day of Rath Yatra and Bahuda Yatra for buses, taxis, private cars and other vehicles. The move is expected to ensure uninterrupted traffic flow on the Puri-bound route.
The department has also announced the issuance of special temporary permits for buses to cater to the massive influx of devotees. According to officials, the permits will remain valid for seven days during the festival period, covering July 15-17 and July 24-27.
To enhance passenger convenience, Suvidha Kendras and passenger assistance centres will be established at major transit hubs, including Baramunda and Kalpana bus stands in Bhubaneswar, Netaji Bus Terminal in Cuttack, and Talabania and Malatipatpur in Puri.
Special arrangements have also been made to address health-related emergencies during the festival. Medical desks equipped with essential medicines and Oral Rehydration Salts (ORS) packets will function at major bus terminals, while all buses will be mandated to carry first-aid kits, ORS sachets and drinking water.
A fleet of around 30 recovery vans, along with heavy-duty cranes and ambulances, will be stationed at strategic locations to promptly respond to vehicular breakdowns and medical emergencies. Affected passengers will be eligible for free treatment under the state’s PM-Rahat Yojana.
To ensure strict compliance with transport and safety norms, special enforcement squads will conduct intensive roadside inspections focusing on vehicle fitness, route permits, passenger overloading and overall traffic discipline. Speed monitoring through interceptor vehicles will also be carried out along National Highways 16 and 316 in coordination with the police, Regional Transport Offices, National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) and private bus operators.
Meanwhile, the state government has deployed 13 senior Odisha Administrative Service (OAS) officers as Officers on Special Duty (OSDs) in Puri to oversee logistics, crowd management and maintenance of law and order during the month-long Rath Yatra festivities.
Officials expressed confidence that the comprehensive arrangements would ensure safe, seamless and comfortable travel for devotees attending the world-famous chariot festival.