Bhubaneswar: The East Coast Railway (ECoR) has launched a special awareness drive aimed at enhancing passenger safety in overcrowded trains, anticipating increased passenger traffic during the Puri Rath Yatra.
Through this awareness drive, pilgrims and travellers have been urged to refrain from risky behaviours such as travelling on footboards, buffers or the rooftops of train compartments. ECoR has also advised pilgrims and passengers not to carry any inflammable items, accept food or drinks from strangers or touch unattended baggage or suspicious items.
In addition to cautioning passengers, ECoR has enlisted the support of Railway Protection Force (RPF) personnel to enforce crowd control measures and monitor anti-social activities. The RPF staff and security personnel are deputed to keep constant watch and to be vigilant in crowded areas, ensuring the safety and security of all travelers, especially pilgrims and devotees.
Recognising the surge in demand during Rath Yatra, ECoR has announced the operation of special trains from various parts of Odisha, West Bengal, Chhattisgarh and Andhra Pradesh, complementing the regular services to Puri.
These additional services would accommodate the influx of pilgrims attending the Rath Yatra, Bahuda Yatra, Suna Besa and Adharapana Days. To further enhance passenger convenience, ECoR has provided additional ticket counters, enquiry counters, and information centers at key locations, an official said.
Special amenities, including catering services, sanitation facilities, medical assistance booths and enhanced security arrangements, have been put in place to ensure a comfortable journey for all travelers, she added.
UNI