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Time of India
07-07-2025
- Time of India
Govt plans for Rath Yatra 2026 with focus on rising vehicular traffic
1 2 Bhubaneswar: In the wake of severe traffic congestion during this year's Rath Yatra, the Odisha govt has planned comprehensive measures to effectively handle increasing vehicular traffic during festivals. Puri, which hosts lakhs of devotees during its celebrated annual festivals, including Rath Yatra, Bahuda Yatra and Suna Besha, witnessed unprecedented vehicular traffic this year, pushing its existing infrastructure to its limits. The situation has prompted govt authorities to reassess the pilgrim city's traffic management system. "The govt will make Puri future-ready to effectively deal with heavy vehicular flow. After witnessing unimaginable rush of vehicles, we have already initiated a preliminary discussion keeping an eye on long-term solutions," law minister Prithiviraj Harichandan said. Statistical data reveals the magnitude of the challenge: while the city had designated 21 parking lots with a maximum capacity of 6,500 four-wheelers during the recent festivals (Rath Yatra on June 27, Bahuda Yatra on July 5 and Suna Besha on July 6), the actual influx exceeded 20,000 vehicles per day. This threefold surge in traffic volume left law enforcement personnel scrambling to maintain order with limited resources. "The govt has planned a collaborative approach, bringing together various stakeholders, including former district collectors, superintendents of police and urban planning experts. This consortium will work to develop sustainable solutions for Puri's growing traffic management needs," Harichandan added. Commerce and transport minister Bibhuti Bhushan Jena outlined the govt's multi-pronged approach to address these challenges. "The chief minister (Mohan Charan Majhi) already announced Puri's elevation to municipal corporation status. This will unlock new possibilities for infrastructural development. This administrative upgrade will facilitate larger budgetary allocations and enable implementation of modern traffic management systems," Jena said. Local residents and business owners have called for urgent infrastructural development ahead of next year's Rath Yatra. "The number of four-wheelers is increasing rapidly. Those who used to travel Puri via trains and buses have their own cars now. Even though Puri's parking facilities have improved in the last four to five years, they need further enhancement," Debasis Das, convenor of Srikhetra Swabhiman Mancha, a Puri-based cultural outfit, said. Hoteliers said that parking infrastructure and enhanced traffic management are essential to handle potential rise in the arrival of tourists to Puri as per govt's 'Vision Document 2036 and 2047'. "Puri's economic potential is closely tied to its ability to handle large crowds during festivals. Modern infrastructure will not only benefit pilgrims but also boost local tourism and commerce," Debasis Kumar, vice-president of Hotel Association of Puri, said. Kumar suggested that development of more parking facilities, implementation of smart traffic management systems, construction of new road networks to reduce congestion, integration of public transport solutions and installation of modern surveillance systems may help authorities to address the traffic issue. "As Puri continues to attract increasing numbers of devotees and tourists, these infrastructure developments are crucial steps toward maintaining the city's status as one of India's top pilgrim destinations," Kumar said.
Time of India
16-06-2025
- Time of India
20-yr-old gang-raped by 10 men at popular beach in Ganjam dist
Berhampur/Bhubaneswar: Ten men allegedly gang-raped a Plus III student after holding her boyfriend hostage on a popular beach in Ganjam district on Sunday evening. Seven of the 10 were detained on Monday and efforts are on to nab the rest. Police sources said the 20-year-old survivor had gone to the beach with her boyfriend, who studies with her. They were sitting in a secluded area of the beach when the men surrounded them around 9.30 pm. "The allegedly drunk perpetrators made vulgar remarks at the girl. When her boyfriend objected to their behaviour, they assaulted him and dragged him away while others raped her. They held the boyfriend hostage at a distance," a police officer said. Police sources said the men gagged her, preventing her from raising her voice. The perpetrators fled after raping her. The girl reached the police station around 11 pm. Initially, she was hesitant to file a complaint. But was later persuaded by her boyfriend to lodge a complaint, police said. "We have detained seven out of 10 suspects, all in their 20s. All of them belong to Ganjam district. Raids are being conducted to nab the remaining three accused. Most of them are unemployed. Their criminal antecedents, if any, are being verified," Berhampur SP Saravana Vivek M told TOI. The SP and his personnel also inspected the site of the crime. Police sources said the survivor lives in a rented apartment with three other women. The survivor underwent medical examination and appears to be stable. She is being provided with psychological support, police said. The incident comes days after the alleged gang-rape of a Class IX student in beachside hotel in Puri. Three men were subsequently arrested. "The affected stretch of beach in Ganjam reportedly lacks proper illumination. District authorities should address this issue and enhance security patrolling to protect visitors," said Srinibash Subudhi, working president of Hotel and Restaurant Association of Odisha. According to Debasis Kumar, vice-president of Hotel Association of Puri, "Safety of visitors at tourist places should be accorded top priority. Police should review security measures at prominent tourist hangouts at regular intervals."
