Odisha Govt waives off toll fee at Pipili toll gate during Rath Yatra, Gundicha Yatra and Suna Besha

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Puri: The Odisha government has decided to waive off the toll fees for all vehicles at the Pipili toll gate during the Rath Yatra, Gundicha and Suna Besha for smoother movement of vehicles carrying devotees.

Transport Commissioner Amitabh Thakur on Wednesday chaired a high-level review meeting to assess the preparedness of the Transport Department for the mega religious event, which includes Rath Yatra, Bahuda Yatra and Suna Besha. At the meeting, all the arrangements made to facilitate smooth and hassle-free travel for devotees visiting Puri during the annual Rath Yatra festivities, were reviewed.

Extensive arrangements have been made for the upcoming Rath Yatra including around 1,000 buses with temporary p[ermit will operate from different parts of the state to ferry devotees to the Holy City. Moreover, around 400 EV vehicles will be deployed to bring devotees from various parking lots in Puri to Badadand.

Extensive parking facilities will be established at Malatipatpur and Talabania on the outskirts of Puri to streamline traffic management and commuter convenience. Inter-state and tourist buses will come to Maltipatpur bus terminal and the regular buses will go to Talabania. To facilitate smooth operation, help desks will also be set up at the Baramunda Bus Terminal in Bhubaneswar and the Netaji Bus Terminal in Cuttack to assist pilgrims.

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Moreover, Puri district administration will also provide essential amenities such as rest sheds, drinking water and other basic facilities at Malatipatpur and Talabania. Shuttle bus services will also be operated between Malatipatpur and Puri to facilitate the movement of pilgrims.

Enforcement squads will be deployed at Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, Ganjam, Balasore, Bhadrak, Nayagarh, Chandikhol, Dhenkanal and Angul to ensure road safety and enforce transport regulations. Moreover, tow trucks will be kept for towing any vehicle that breaks down.

Officials have also been instructed to conduct regular patrolling along National Highway-16 and National Highway-316 to curb rash driving and other violations during the festival period.

Also Read: Puri Gears Up for Rath Yatra as Law Minister Reviews Final Blueprint

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