ECoR Announces Special Trains, Strengthens Passenger Facilities for Suna Besha and Adharapana in Puri

Bhubaneswar: Anticipating a massive influx of devotees during the upcoming Suna Besha and Adharapana rituals of Lord Jagannath, the East Coast Railway (ECoR) has introduced several special train services and enhanced passenger amenities to ensure smooth and comfortable travel to and from Puri.

In addition to its regular train operations, ECoR will operate a number of special trains connecting Puri with key destinations across Odisha and neighbouring regions, allowing pilgrims to conveniently attend the major Rath Yatra rituals.

For the Suna Besha celebrations on July 25, special trains will depart for Puri from Paradeep, Angul, Bhadrak, Talcher, Kendrapada Road, Dhenkanal, Balasore, Brahmapur, Kendujhargarh, Khurda Road, and Daspalla. After the ceremony, return services will be available from Puri to Talcher, Badampahar, Dhenkanal, Bangiriposi, Rayagada, Bhadrak, Angul, Gunupur, Rourkela, Daspalla, Sambalpur, Palasa, Visakhapatnam, and Shalimar.

For the Adharapana ritual on July 26, additional trains will operate to Puri from Brahmapur, Daspalla, Angul, Kendujhargarh, Paradeep, Bhadrak, and Khurda Road. Special return services will connect Puri with Talcher, Dhenkanal, Bangiriposi, Bhadrak, Angul, Daspalla, Khurda Road, Brahmapur, Kendujhargarh, and Paradeep.

To manage the heavy rush of passengers during the festival, ECoR has also rolled out extensive support measures across railway stations. A dedicated 24×7 control room has been established to oversee train operations and promptly respond to passenger concerns.

The railway administration has deployed additional ticket booking counters, mobile ticketing units, enquiry and information desks, public announcement systems, crowd management teams, and video display boards at important stations. Pilgrims will also benefit from UTS-on-Mobile ticketing, designated waiting areas, strengthened security, catering services, medical assistance with ambulance support, uninterrupted water and electricity supply, enhanced sanitation, clean drinking water facilities, and sufficient toilet amenities.

ECoR said these arrangements have been made to ensure devotees travelling to Puri for the Rath Yatra festivities experience a safe, efficient, and hassle-free journey.