75 trains including 24 special for Rath Yatra

Total 75 trains including 24 special trains would be pressed into service while 35 ticket booking counters would be opened to cater to the needs of the visitors thronging the pilgrim city Puri during Rath Yatra.

It was revealed by the Railway officials at a preparatory meeting held on Tuesday.

Devotees would not be allowed to climb the chariots on Rath Yatra day this year, Odisha Law minister Aarun Sahoo said after a three-hour long meeting with the Daitapatis (servitors).

“The Daitapatis have agreed to the proposal to bar devotees from mounting the chariots not just on Rath Yatra day, but also on Bahuda Yatra and Suna Besha,” the minister said.

Health Minister Atanu Sabyasachi Nayak assured of filling up the vacant posts of medicos and para-medical staff within a week while Energy Secretary informed that uninterrupted power supply would be ensured throughout the festival.

Superintendent of Police Anup Kumar Sahoo informed the meeting that 115 platoons of armed police and 200 officers of various ranks would be deployed during the festival which is scheduled to be held on June 29.

One way traffic along the Puri-Bhubaneswar route would be introduced to facilitate hassle-free movement of vehicular traffic.