East Coast Railway Rushes Puri Station Upgrades Ahead of Rath Yatra
With the grand Rath Yatra festival fast approaching, the East Coast Railway (ECoR) has significantly accelerated its preparations to guarantee seamless movement for the massive influx of pilgrims expected in Puri. Parmeshwar Funkwal, the General Manager of ECoR, announced on Tuesday that all ongoing redevelopment projects at Puri railway station will be finalized well before the chariot festival to efficiently manage the surge in devotees.
Inspection and Review of Key Railway Section
Earlier in the day, Funkwal conducted a thorough inspection of the Khurda Road-Puri railway section, followed by a detailed review of station development and passenger amenity works with concerned officials in Puri. The general manager meticulously assessed track conditions, signalling systems, and overall operational efficiency along this critical route, which experiences a sharp increase in train services and footfall during major Rath and other festive events.
Focus on Pilgrim-Centric Infrastructure at Puri Station
At Puri station, the primary emphasis was on the redevelopment work and enhancement of infrastructure tailored for pilgrims. Senior railway officers briefed the GM on the progress related to platform development, circulating areas, waiting halls, and other passenger handling facilities being upgraded in anticipation of the Rath Yatra.
Passenger-First Approach and Safety Measures
Emphasizing a passenger-first approach, Funkwal directed officials to expedite all ongoing work and closely monitor timelines to ensure the station is fully prepared before the chariot festival. He stated that these upgrades are aimed at ensuring safe, smooth, and comfortable movement of pilgrims amid peak crowd conditions.
The GM also stressed the necessity of maintaining high standards of safety and sanitation at the station and across the section. He underlined the importance of close coordination among different railway departments to manage intensified train operations effectively during the pilgrimage period.
