Puri: To streamline the transportation system during the Rath Yatra, the State Transport Department has given special attention to traffic management and safety. Focused efforts were made to reduce accidents by monitoring the behavior of vehicle drivers.
During the Rath Yatra and the two subsequent days, the Intelligent Enforcement Management System (IEMS) was actively functional on the National Highway 316 from Bhubaneswar to Puri, as well as on the Puri–Konark and Konark–Pipili state highways. A total of 1,800 e-challans were issued for violations of road safety rules, including riding without helmets, wrong-side driving, overspeeding, and overloading two-wheelers.
Thousands of vehicles entered Puri for the nine-day-long festival. Based on government instructions, special monitoring was conducted for errant drivers. Under the jurisdiction of the Puri RTO, seven independent teams were deployed to conduct surveillance, particularly targeting unauthorized and non-compliant buses.
The bus owners’ association was repeatedly urged to ensure compliance. Checks were carried out at important locations like Cuttack Netaji Bus Terminal, Bhubaneswar Baramunda Bus Terminal, Talabania, and Malatipatpur. The seven surveillance teams monitored various routes regularly and will continue to do so during Bahuda Yatra and Suna Besha.
Using dedicated human resources, the authorities are strictly enforcing transport regulations. Extra attention has been given to major routes like Brahmagiri, Sakhigopal, Konark, and Pipili.
In addition, RTO officers are conducting routine checks at bus stands and important transit points to ensure no passengers are overcharged. Repeat instructions have been issued against overcharging fares beyond the standard rates. For vehicles that break down mid-road, temporary repair services and cranes are being used to quickly remove obstructions and avoid traffic congestion.
To address passenger grievances, a 24-hour control room has been established. Keeping the comfort of pilgrims in mind, temporary rest shelters, basic facilities, and free food distribution services have been arranged at Talabania and Malatipatpur.
To support smooth transit during Gundicha Yatra, Bahuda Yatra, and Suna Besha, a free auto-rickshaw service has been launched in Puri via the Odisha Yatra App. The service operates from Talabania to Urban Haat via the railway station and from Stalling to Mangalahaat route. This free service was inaugurated by Commerce and Transport Minister Bibhuti Bhushan Jena.
From the world-famous Rath Yatra to Niladri Bije, the Transport Department—under the leadership of the Minister, Principal Secretary, and Transport Commissioner—is ensuring effective transport management, with hundreds of officials and staff working continuously.
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