Wheels of Faith: Railways Launch Mega Pilgrim Push for Jagannath Yatra

To cater to the record-breaking influx for the Puri Rath Yatra 2025, the East Coast Railway (ECoR) has scheduled a record 365 special trains to facilitate travel to be smooth and hassle-free for pilgrims. This is a considerable hike from 315 trains operated in 2024, given the scale and religious importance of the Puri Rath Yatra chariot festival organized annually for Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra.

 

1. Festival Dates & Significance

The Rath Yatra begins on June 27, with principal events being:

The festival witnesses the ritual procession of the deities from Jagannath Temple to Gundicha Temple, drawing lakhs of devotees from across India and the world.

 

2. Special Train Network & Routes

ECoR special trains will connect Puri with 24 significant destinations in Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and West Bengal, including:

Services of Note:

 

08313/08314 Visakhapatnam–Puri–Visakhapatnam Special

08445/08446 Jagdalpur–Puri–Jagdalpur Special

08593/08594 Rayagada–Khurda Road–Rayagada Special

3. Crowd Management & Safety Measures

4. Pilgrim Travel Advisory

Sources: Times Now, Times of India, The Hindu, Odisha Bytes, Economic Times