In a major relief for lakhs of devotees expected to visit Puri during Rath Yatra 2026, the Odisha Transport Department has announced that no toll fee will be collected at the Pipili Toll Gate on key festival days. The department has also planned an extensive transportation and passenger welfare network, including the deployment of around 400 electric vehicles (EVs) to transport pilgrims from designated parking areas directly to the Bada Danda.
The decisions were taken during a high-level review meeting chaired by Transport Commissioner Amitabh Thakur at the Regional Transport Office (RTO) in Bhubaneswar. The meeting focused on ensuring smooth, safe, and well-coordinated movement of devotees during one of the country’s largest religious gatherings.
400 EV Vans to Connect Parking Zones with Bada Danda
To reduce congestion in the temple town and improve last-mile connectivity, the state government will deploy approximately 400 electric vans that will operate continuously during the festival period.
These EVs will ferry devotees from designated parking locations to the Grand Road (Bada Danda), where the iconic Rath Yatra festivities take place. The initiative is expected to ease traffic pressure within Puri city while providing convenient transportation for pilgrims.
Officials said the arrangement is aimed at improving crowd movement and reducing dependence on conventional vehicles in the congested festival zone.
No Toll Collection at Pipili on Rath Yatra and Bahuda Yatra
The Odisha Private Bus Owners’ Association confirmed that toll collection at the Pipili Toll Gate will remain suspended on major festival days to facilitate uninterrupted travel for pilgrims.
According to the association, the exemption will not be limited to buses alone. Private cars, taxis, tourist vehicles, and other categories of passenger vehicles will also be allowed to pass through without paying toll charges.
General Secretary of the Odisha Private Bus Owners’ Association, Debendra Sahu, stated that the toll waiver will be applicable on Rath Yatra day as well as on Bahuda Yatra, ensuring hassle-free movement of devotees travelling to and from Puri.
The move is expected to reduce traffic bottlenecks on major approach roads and improve overall traffic flow during the festival.
Special Health and Passenger Welfare Measures
Keeping in view the intense summer conditions and the large influx of devotees, the government has planned several passenger welfare initiatives.
Medical assistance centres equipped with essential medicines and Oral Rehydration Salts (ORS) will be established at key transit locations, including:
- Baramunda Bus Stand, Bhubaneswar
- Kalpana Bus Stop, Bhubaneswar
- Netaji Bus Terminal, Cuttack
- Talabania Bus Stand, Puri
- Malatipatpur, Puri
Authorities have also planned the distribution of prasad to devotees at selected locations along major travel corridors.
All buses operating during the festival period will be required to carry:
- First-aid kits
- ORS packets
- Safe drinking water
The objective is to ensure passenger comfort and provide immediate assistance in case of health emergencies.
24-Hour Control Rooms and Emergency Response Network
The Transport Department has activated a comprehensive emergency response system for Rath Yatra.
Key arrangements include:
- 24-hour transport control rooms
- Passenger assistance centres
- Driver rest houses
- Ambulance services
- Heavy-duty cranes for vehicle recovery
- Emergency medical support under PM-Rahat Yojana
To prevent traffic disruptions caused by vehicle breakdowns, around 30 recovery vans will remain stationed at strategic locations and major intersections throughout the festival period.
These teams will immediately remove stalled vehicles and restore traffic flow whenever required.
Temporary Special Permits for Additional Buses
To manage the surge in passenger traffic, special temporary permits will be issued to buses operating during the festival.
Transport Commissioner Amitabh Thakur said Suvidha Kendras will be established at major bus terminals in Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, and Puri to facilitate permit issuance and passenger assistance.
The special permits will remain valid for seven days and cover the festival periods from July 15–17 and July 24–27, enabling additional buses to operate for the convenience of pilgrims.
The initiative is expected to significantly increase transport availability and reduce travel difficulties during peak pilgrimage days.
Strict Enforcement and Traffic Monitoring
The Transport Department has planned extensive enforcement measures to ensure passenger safety and traffic discipline.
Special enforcement squads will conduct inspections focusing on:
- Vehicle fitness certificates
- Route permits
- Passenger overloading
- Safety compliance
- Traffic regulations
Interceptor vehicles equipped with speed-monitoring systems will be deployed along National Highway-16 (NH-16) and National Highway-316 (NH-316).
The enforcement drive will be jointly carried out by:
- Odisha Police
- Regional Transport Offices (RTOs)
- National Highways Authority of India (NHAI)
- Odisha Private Bus Owners’ Association
Officials said strict monitoring will help minimise accidents and ensure safer travel conditions for devotees.
13 Senior OAS Officers Deployed in Puri
To strengthen administrative preparedness, the Odisha Government has already deployed 13 senior Odisha Administrative Service (OAS) officers as Officers on Special Duty (OSDs) in Puri.
The officers will remain stationed in the district until July 27 and will assist the administration in:
- Crowd management
- Traffic coordination
- Festival logistics
- Public grievance handling
- Inter-departmental coordination
- Maintenance of law and order
The deployment is aimed at ensuring smooth execution of Rath Yatra-related activities and providing additional administrative support during the month-long festivities.
Massive Preparations for Rath Yatra 2026
With lakhs of devotees expected to participate in Rath Yatra and Bahuda Yatra, the Odisha Government has intensified preparations across transport, health, safety, and administrative sectors.
The introduction of toll-free travel at Pipili, deployment of 400 electric shuttle vehicles, special permits for buses, emergency medical services, and enhanced enforcement measures reflects the state’s effort to provide a safe, comfortable, and seamless pilgrimage experience for devotees visiting Puri during Rath Yatra 2026.
