In view of massive inflow of pilgrims during the Rath Yatra, the East Coast Railway has decided to arranged for 63 special trains to Puri during the festival.
The special trains would run from different parts of Orissa, West Bengal and Andhra Pradesh in addition to the existing trains coming to Puri, said Sanjib Garg, Divisional Railway Manager, Khurda Road.
Special trains will also run to and from Puri to clear extra rush on the occasion of other related festivals like Sandhya Darshan, Bahuda Yatra and Sunabesa.
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Apart from this, 14 trains have been diverted and extended to Puri irrespective of their destination stations.
Highlighting arrangements by Railways during Rath Yatra Festival, Garg said East Coast Railway has decided to open 25 ticket booking counters for unreserved tickets round the clock from July 13 to 15 and from July 20 to 22 and in peak hours during Rath Yatra period including three reservation counters.
Additional ticket counters are to be opened at major stations of Orissa, he said adding people should buy genuine tickets from railway counters to avoid inconvenience en route.
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Security has been strengthened with deployment of additional RPF staff, including women, at Puri and other major stations and trains. Sniffer dog, bomb detection squad and hand held metal detectors are also being arranged, Garg said.
Ambulance, First Aid facility and round the clock availability of doctors and nurses are being arranged at Puri.
Help Line numbers, 06752—232518 and 232519, will also be arranged for assistance of passengers.