ECoR to Run Record 365 Special Trains for Puri Rath Yatra 2025

Bhubaneswar, June 23 : In a massive logistical effort to accommodate the lakhs of devotees expected for the annual Puri Rath Yatra, the East Coast Railway (ECoR) will operate a record 365 Rath Yatra Special trains this year. The announcement marks a significant scale-up from 2024, when 315 special trains were deployed during the grand spiritual festival.

The special trains will operate alongside ECoR’s regular services and are aimed at ensuring smooth, safe, and efficient travel for pilgrims and visitors from all parts of Odisha and neighbouring states including Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and West Bengal.

These trains will cover a wide network, connecting remote and urban areas to the temple town of Puri, and will be operational throughout the festival period. Major originating points include Rourkela, Badampahar, Biramitrapur, Bangiriposi, Baleswar, Barbil, Angul, Paradeep, Bhadrak, Kendujhargarh, Daspalla, and Khurda Road, among others.

Trains will also run from 25 key destinations across Odisha and other major hubs such as Visakhapatnam and Palasa in Andhra Pradesh, Gondia in Chhattisgarh, and Santragachi in West Bengal.

Special attention is being given to the primary events of the Rath Yatra festival—Gundicha Yatra, Sandhya Darshan, Bahuda Yatra, and Sunavesa. The extended rail service is designed to manage the surge in passenger traffic and reduce congestion, particularly on the peak days of the festival.

ECoR has urged passengers to stay updated on train schedules, seat availability, and travel advisories through official railway portals and public announcements, especially as the festival approaches.

With this unprecedented expansion in services, East Coast Railway reaffirms its commitment to facilitating a comfortable and memorable pilgrimage experience for the devotees of Lord Jagannath, reinforcing the spiritual and cultural significance of the Rath Yatra in Odisha.