Latest news with #Puri-based
Time of India
5 days ago
- 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
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Performer's novel tribute to Lord Jagannath & Lord Krishna draws devotees
1 2 Bhubaneswar: A distinctive artistic expression caught the attention of thousands of devotees during Bahuda Yatra in Puri on Saturday, as an Odissi dancer painted her face depicting Lord Jagannath and Lord Krishna on different sides. Puri-based performer Aparna Panda, whose innovative representation symbolised the unity of divine forms, drew Lord Krishna on the right side of her face while showcasing Lord Jagannath's distinctive features on the left. The intricate artwork created a powerful visual representation of spiritual unity. "Through the artistic expression, I wanted to convey that divinity is one, though we worship different forms. The amalgamation of Lord Jagannath and Lord Krishna on my face represents the fundamental truth that all divine forms are ultimately one," said Aparna, whose elder sister Annapurna performed as Chaitanya Mahaprabhu in front of the chariots. "During last year's Rath Yatra, I dressed up as Jagannath and my elder sister performed as devadasi. Our intention is to promote our culture and tradition during this world famous festival, which is the biggest platform. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Pernas e tornozelos inchados? Descubra o que pode ajudar a drenar agora aartedoherbalismo Undo Nothing is possible without the blessings of Lord Jagannath," Annapurna said. The unique presentation drew crowds near the chariots during Bahuda Yatra, with many devotees stopping to appreciate the symbolic artwork. "It's a beautiful way to represent our ancient belief that all gods are one. Such artistic expressions help younger generations understand our cultural and spiritual heritage better," said Nirod Bihari Pattanayak, a devotee.
Time of India
10-06-2025
- Time of India
RTOs asked to stop buses from overcharging during Rath Yatra
Bhubaneswar: Govt has asked RTOs to take comprehensive measures to protect Rath Yatra pilgrims from being overcharged by bus operators. Several joint enforcement teams, consisting of transport officials and police personnel, will be deployed to carry out surprise inspections of buses. State transport commissioner Amitabh Thakur said bus owners' associations have been cautioned against exploiting devotees, emphasising strict compliance with official fare rates. The current fare structure allows ordinary buses to charge 89 paisa per km, express buses 92 paisa per km, deluxe buses Rs 1.27 paisa per km, AC deluxe Rs 1.55 paisa per km and super premium buses Rs 2.41 paisa per km. "The govt is committed to prevent exploitation of devotees during their bus travels. We will lay emphasis on compliance with the actual bus fare structure by the transporters. They should not overcharge devotees during the festival period. The enforcement squads will conduct surprise checks and take action against violators," Thakur said. The enforcement drive will focus on routes connecting Puri with major destinations like Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, Berhampur, Rourkela and Sambalpur. Officials will verify if operators are displaying fare charts prominently and adhering to approved rates. First-time offenders will face hefty fines, while repeat violations could result in permit cancellations. "This is a much-needed step. Every year, thousands of devotees face exploitation. Strict enforcement of the decision is required to ensure that the spiritual journey remains affordable for all," said Debasis Das, secretary of Srikhetra Swabhiman Mancha, a Puri-based social outfit. Transport authorities have urged bus operators to submit applications for special route permits to Puri from various districts and states during the festival. Previous year's Rath Yatra saw about 500 buses requesting special permits for routes connecting Puri. "We will ensure grant of special permits to bus operators promptly so that adequate buses are pressed on routes connecting Puri from other districts and states. Parking places are being finalised by the police," said another transport official. The govt plans to deploy 100 autorickshaws offering complimentary transport for devotees between Talabani bus stand and Zilla School Chhak for convenient access to the Grand Road.
Hans India
21-05-2025
- Politics
- Hans India
Any link with spy network will be taken seriously: Min
Bhubaneswar: Odisha Law Minister Prithiviraj Harichandan on Monday said strict legal action will be taken if anyone is found leaking sensitive information to operatives in Pakistan. Harichandan's statement came amid police investigation into the potential links between a Puri-based YouTuber and Jyoti Malhotra, who was arrested on the charge of passing on sensitive information to Pakistani intelligence operatives. Speaking to reporters here, Harichandan said the National Investigation Agency (NIA) is conducting the probe on sharing sensitive information with the neighbouring country. 'Anyone found connected to this network will face investigation. Strict action will be taken against those involved -- whether they were directly involved in espionage or were assisting such activities in any form. No one will be spared,' the minister asserted. When asked about possible links of the Odisha YouTuber in the alleged espionage case, he said, 'If at all there is a link, the NIA will do its job properly. If any link is established, the matter will be taken very seriously and the situation will be dealt with accordingly.' 'YouTuber Jyoti Malhotra, who was arrested by Haryana Police, had visited Jagannath temple in Puri, besides Konark and Chilka in Odisha. She was in touch with an Odisha-based YouTuber. We are verifying the facts and nothing substantial has come out till now,' IGP, Crime Branch, Sarthak Sarangi said. After the matter came to the fore, in a social media post, the woman YouTuber from Puri, Priyanka Senapati, said, 'Jyoti was just a friend of mine, and I came in contact with her through YouTube. I was unaware of anything which she is accused of. I would not have been in touch with her had I known that she was spying for enemy Pakistan.' 'If any investigative agency wishes to cross-question me, I would provide full cooperation. Nation is above all. Jai Hind,' she wrote in an Instagram post.
The Hindu
20-05-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
Strong action will be taken if any Odisha link with espionage for Pakistan is found: Minister Prithiviraj Harichandan
Odisha Law Minister Prithiviraj Harichandan on Monday (May 19, 2025) said strict legal action will be taken if anyone is found leaking sensitive information to operatives in Pakistan. Mr. Harichandan's statement came amid a police investigation into the potential links between a Puri-based YouTuber and Jyoti Malhotra, who was arrested on the charge of passing on sensitive information to Pakistani intelligence operatives. Speaking to reporters in Bhubaneswar, he said the National Investigation Agency (NIA) is conducting the probe on sharing sensitive information with the neighbouring country. 'Anyone found connected to this network will face investigation. Strict action will be taken against those involved, whether they were directly involved in espionage or were assisting such activities in any form. No one will be spared,' the Minister asserted. When asked about possible links of the Odisha YouTuber in the alleged espionage case, he said, 'If at all there is a link, the NIA will do its job properly. If any link is established, the matter will be taken very seriously and the situation will be dealt with accordingly'. 'YouTuber Jyoti Malhotra, who was arrested by Haryana Police, had visited Jagannath temple in Puri, besides Konark and Chilka in Odisha. She was in touch with an Odisha-based YouTuber. We are verifying the facts, and nothing substantial has come out till now,' IGP, Crime Branch, Sarthak Sarangi said. After the matter came to the fore, in a social media post, the woman YouTuber from Puri said, 'Jyoti was just a friend of mine, and I came in contact with her through YouTube. I was unaware of anything which she is accused of. I would not have been in touch with her had I known that she was spying for enemy Pakistan'. 'If any investigative agency wishes to cross-question me, I would provide full cooperation. Nation is above all. Jai Hind,' she wrote in an Instagram post.
