Ashwini Vaishnaw, Odisha CM Review Railways’ Preparations for Puri Rath Yatra 2026

Puri, July 6: Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, along with Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, conducted a detailed review of Indian Railways’ preparations for the upcoming Rath Yatra in Puri, focusing on ensuring safe, smooth and comfortable travel for the large number of devotees expected during the annual religious festival.

During the review, the Minister assessed overall railway arrangements, including crowd management systems, passenger movement strategies and operational readiness across key railway stations in and around Puri. Senior railway officials and representatives of the local administration briefed the leadership on the integrated planning framework and the comprehensive operational strategy developed for the event.

Officials informed that this year the Railways is planning to operate more than 300 special trains to manage the anticipated surge in passenger traffic. In addition, holding areas capable of accommodating over 30,000 devotees are being prepared to regulate crowd flow and prevent congestion at stations. Enhanced passenger amenities, additional ticket counters and food distribution arrangements are also being set up across the Puri region.

The Railway Minister also inspected passenger facilities at the station and reviewed various measures aimed at improving commuter convenience. He stressed the need to strengthen safety protocols, ensure seamless passenger movement and maintain efficient train operations throughout the festival period.

Vaishnaw emphasized that all arrangements must be executed in a coordinated and time-bound manner to avoid inconvenience to devotees. He directed officials to ensure real-time monitoring of crowd movement and to deploy adequate staff and support systems at critical points.

The review highlights the joint efforts of the Government of India and the Odisha Government in ensuring well-coordinated planning for one of the country’s largest religious gatherings. The initiative aims to deliver a safe, well-managed and comfortable travel experience for millions of devotees participating in the Rath Yatra celebrations.