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

Image Source: OrissaPOST

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:

Gundicha Yatra (June 27)
Sandhya Darshan
Bahuda Yatra
Suna Besha

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:

Odisha: Rourkela, Sambalpur, Angul, Cuttack, Brahmapur, Rayagada, Khurda Road, Bhadrak, Balasore, Junagarh Road, etc.
Andhra Pradesh: Visakhapatnam, Palasa
Chhattisgarh: Jagdalpur, Gondia
West Bengal: Santragachhi

Services of Note:

08313/08314 Visakhapatnam–Puri–Visakhapatnam Special

Arrives at Visakhapatnam on June 27 & July 5 at 12:45 AM
Returns to Puri at 2:15 AM on June 28 & July 6
Runs through 30+ stations like Vizianagaram, Srikakulam, Brahmapur, Chilika, and Khurda Road

08445/08446 Jagdalpur–Puri–Jagdalpur Special

Departs from Jagdalpur on June 26 & July 4 at 9:00 AM
Returns on June 28 & July 6 at 12:45 AM from Puri
Passes through key stations such as Koraput, Rayagada, Vizianagaram, and Ichapuram

08593/08594 Rayagada–Khurda Road–Rayagada Special

Departs from Rayagada at 11:00 AM on June 26 & July 4
Returns from Khurda Road at 1:00 AM on June 28 & July 6

3. Crowd Management & Safety Measures

Over 10,000 police officers, NSG snipers, and AI-based surveillance will be used for crowd management and security
Health measures have been put in place after recent outbreaks of waterborne diseases; clean drinking water and food shall be made available
Fire safety measures include bans on street cooking and diya selling in crowded areas

4. Pilgrim Travel Advisory

Booking: Confirm train schedules and seating availability through IRCTC or official railway websites/applications
Air Travel: Nearest airport is Bhubaneswar (BBI), ~60 km from Puri
Road Travel: Bhubaneswar-Puri regular buses and taxis operate regularly
Accessibility: Senior citizens and differently-abled travelers will be helped by special assistance desks and volunteers

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