Odisha govt to provide free auto-rickshaw services for devotees during Rath Yatra in Puri

Puri: Odisha Government will provide free auto-rickshaw services for devotees during the upcoming Rath Yatra in Puri, informed Transport Minister Bibhuti Bhushan Jena on Monday.

Bhushan, who attended the second coordination meeting for Puri Rath Yatra, informed to the media persons that in order to ensure smooth movement and convenience for devotees, the State government would provide free auto-rickshaw services from the main bus stand to Bada Danda (Grand Road).

The Transport Minister also informed that the state government will also grant special permissions to 250 buses to operate in and around Puri during Rath Yatra, Bahuda Yatra and Suna Besha and each bus will display the fare chart to ensure transparency.

Anticipating huge footfall of devotees and decongesting in the pilgrim city during the festive season, the State government also has decided to set up a temporary bus stand at Talabania.

Earlier in the day, Law Minister Prithviraj Harichandan, who chaired the coordination meeting, had informed that a total of 365 special trains will run to and from Puri to ensure hassle-free visit of the visitors during the Car Festival. He also announced that more than 300 doctors will be engaged to provide health services during the annual festival period.