Railways Boosts Puri Services for Rath Yatra Rush

New Delhi: To ensure smooth travel for lakhs of devotees visiting Puri during the Rath Yatra and other major religious festivals, Indian Railways has strengthened its services by introducing special trains, increasing the frequency of existing services and adding extra coaches.

Responding to a question raised by Rajya Sabha MP Subhashish Khuntia, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw informed the Upper House that the Railways has been taking continuous measures to meet the surge in passenger demand during the festive season.

The minister said Puri is currently connected by 116 regular train services. In addition, special trains have been operated for 14 days—from July 15 to July 28 this year—to cater to passengers travelling for the Bahuda Yatra and associated rituals.

Vaishnaw said the Railways is not only introducing new train services but is also enhancing existing operations by increasing service frequency and augmenting coaches wherever required to accommodate the growing number of passengers.

He further stated that special train services are planned during festivals, religious congregations and large public events such as Rath Yatra after assessing passenger traffic, operational feasibility, resource availability and commercial viability.

Sharing data on special train operations over the past few years, the minister said Indian Railways operated nearly 1,075 special train trips between 2022 and 2025 to manage the Rath Yatra rush. The number of trips increased steadily, with 192 in 2022, 194 in 2023, 323 in 2024 and 365 in 2025, reflecting the rising influx of pilgrims.

Vaishnaw also presented details of the regular rail connectivity to Puri in the Rajya Sabha. Railway officials said the enhanced services are intended to provide safer and more convenient travel for devotees visiting the holy city during Rath Yatra, Bahuda Yatra and other major festivals.