Committed towards the aspirations of people of Odisha, says Ashwini Vaishnaw

Development of railway infrastructure in the eastern coast, especially in Odisha is being given priority, Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said and added that he is also committed to fulfill the aspirations of the people of Odisha.

For Rath Yatra where this year it is being celebrated with public participation, many facilities have been provided by East Coast Railway, which includes security arrangements, health and first-aid facilities, additional ticket counters and accommodation of pilgrims along with other facilities.

For the security of passengers, more than 100 CCTV cameras have been installed in the station area. In addition to this drone cameras are being used for better monitoring of security arrangements.

Also read: List of special trains for Bahuda Yatra

Railways have deployed more than 600 RPF personnel and 200 rail volunteers to provide safety and guidance to the pilgrims. More than 40 ticket booking counters, 10 UTS based hand-held counters and many mobile counters have been installed for the rail passengers.

For the very first time, arrangements have been made to sale tickets on road vehicles. As per the directions of Vaishnaw, huge covered space has been arranged by the Railways to accommodate 15,000 devotees with food court, drinking water taps and toilet facilities. Provisions have been made for battery operated cars for senior citizens and disabled people. Free food has also been arranged for about 50,000 pilgrims.

Meanwhile, the major and public centric railway projects in Odisha are being monitored at the highest level. The minister has instructed railway officials to keep regular touch with the State government officials for early land acquisition, land clearance of different departments; so that the ongoing projects can be completed at the earliest.

Vaishnaw had assured to provide world-class facilities at Bhubaneswar and Puri railway stations. The tender has been floated for both the projects.