Bhartiya Rail: At the Service of Rath Yatra Pilgrims

ASHWINI VAISHNAW

The holy city, the abode of Mahaprabhu Jagannath — Puri — is ready for the Rath Yatra. It is a journey of faith for millions of devotees coming from across the globe. And Bhartiya Rail is at the service of these pilgrims, facilitating their overall experience in Shreekshetra Puri.

The last 11 years have been historic for Odisha’s railway infrastructure development. Under PM Shri Narendra Modi’s Purvodaya policy, Odisha’s railway budget allocation has seen a twelve-fold increase to over ₹10,500 crore in 2025–26, compared to the annual average during 2009–14. Since 2014, over 2,100 km of new tracks have been laid in Odisha—more than the entire rail network of Malaysia.

Projects worth approximately ₹73,000 crore are underway for constructing new tracks in Odisha. Fifty-nine Amrit stations are being developed, including 16 in aspirational districts. Six Vande Bharat services covering 17 districts are operational.

The most special contribution of Indian Railways to Odisha is during the Rath Yatra. Every year, the Railways takes on the sacred task of serving lakhs of Rath Yatra pilgrims.

Ease of Travel for the Pilgrims

There has been a four-fold increase in Rath Yatra special trains over the last 11 years. A total of 1,215 train services — including 850 regular and 365 special services — are being operated this year for Jagannath Puri. These services connect many districts of Odisha, including aspirational districts such as Kalahandi, Balangir, Nuapada, Koraput, Rayagada, Gajapati, and Dhenkanal, as well as interior tribal regions, to Shreekshetra Puri.

An AI-based real-time demand prediction system has enabled dynamic scheduling. Ten platforms are welcoming pilgrims this year. Additional ticket counters have also been set up at Puri and other railway stations.

A Comfortable Visit for a Divine Experience

With the spirit of Seva Paramo Dharma, Bharatiya Rail ensures dignity, comfort, and security for pilgrims during the Rath Yatra. This year marks one of the largest facilitation drives for inclusive pilgrimage travel.

The Railways is prepared to cater to around 20 lakh passengers, with a daily peak of 2 lakh. A designated holding space with a capacity to accommodate 25,000 pilgrims has been created. Adequate arrangements have been made to provide relief from the hot weather. Sufficient food stalls, water booths, and coolers have been arranged. An estimated 2.5 lakh free meals will be served to the pilgrims.

Sanitation and cleanliness arrangements — including modern jet-cleaning machines and sewage suction trucks — are in place. A significantly larger pool of security personnel has been deployed to ensure the safety and security of pilgrims, supported by CCTV cameras, drones, and facial recognition systems.

The accessibility needs of Divyangjans, elderly persons, women, and medically vulnerable pilgrims have also been addressed. Medical booths with doctors and paramedics, ambulances, and first-aid counters have been set up. This year, Indian Railways has transformed Puri station into a model of inclusive and faith-centred public service.

Special Railway Jacks for a Special Cause

A dedicated team of Indian Railways engineers and technicians is also deployed during the Rath Yatra. This team is responsible for ensuring the smooth movement and any necessary repair work of the chariots during the Yatra. It assists in transporting the massive chariots from the construction site to Shree Jagannath Temple.

The team uses special screw jacks to ensure proper positioning, alignment, and forward movement of the chariots along the designated path. They also help in removing any obstacles and maintaining adequate distance between the chariots. The team accompanies the chariots until the completion of the Yatra.

Bhartiya Rail, fondly called the lifeline of the nation, remains committed to serving all Indians — including the pilgrims who consider the Rath Yatra their spiritual lifeline.

The author is Union Minister for Railways, Electronics & Information Technology, and Information & Broadcasting.