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To manage the large number of devotees travelling to Puri for the annual Rath Yatra, the Indian Railways has introduced a pair of special Rath Yatra Special Express trains between Gondia Junction in Maharashtra and Puri in Odisha. These trains are aimed at providing a comfortable and convenient travel option for pilgrims attending the famous festival.
Rath Yatra Special Express Trains
Train No. 08801 Gondia-Puri Rath Yatra Special Express will leave Gondia Junction at 1:30 pm on July 2, 9, 16 and 29, completing four trips. The train will reach Puri at 10:00 am the following day. For the return journey, Train No. 08802 Puri-Gondia Rath Yatra Special Express will depart from Puri at 1:00 pm on July 3, 10, 17 and 30 and arrive at Gondia Junction at 7:00 am the next morning.
Important Stoppages
The special trains will stop at several important stations along the route in both directions. These include Dongargarh, Rajnandgaon, Durg, Raipur, Lakholi, Khariar Road, Kantabanji, Titlagarh, Balangir, Bargarh Road, Sambalpur, Angul, Talcher Road, Dhenkanal, Cuttack, Bhubaneswar, and Khurda Road. These halts will make it easier for devotees from across Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, and Odisha to travel to Puri for the festival.
How will these Trains Benefit Passengers?
The special train service is part of the Railways' larger plan to handle the huge number of passengers during the Rath Yatra. State authorities have also made detailed transport arrangements to ensure that pilgrims can travel safely and smoothly during the festival.
Advisory for Passengers
Passengers are advised to book their tickets in advance and check the latest train schedules before travelling. The special trains are expected to reduce overcrowding on regular services and provide a more comfortable journey for thousands of devotees visiting Puri during the Rath Yatra celebrations.